Huddersfield Giants boss, Luke Robinson, has spoken to the media ahead of his side’s clash with St Helens on Sunday afternoon.
The Giants won their second game in a row for the first time since April last year, as two tries from George Flanagan Jr helped them to a victory over fellow strugglers Catalans Dragons.
They now face tough competition in fourth placed Saints, who welcomed Jack Welsby back to their 21-man squad for the first time since his injury at the end of May.
Robinson discussed the positive change it was to come out of the Catalans game with minimal injuries, something he has not had the luxury of many times this year.
“For the first time in a while, we’ve been able to come out of a game a little unscathed,” he said in his weekly press conference. “Obviously, there are bumps and bruises but it’s a nice feeling that the lads who took the field last week are available this week.
The former halfback believes it’s no coincidence that as soon as he had a more consistent squad selection, the performances and results would eventually start to click. Huddersfield have now won four from their last seven matches.
“I don’t think anyone believed me when I kept saying it, but I was saying that we’d have a better second half of the year than we did first half” said Robinson.
“It’s no coincidence that we’ve [started winning] with a bit more of a settled squad but let’s not beat around the bush, I’ve still got Niall [Evalds], Cluney [Adam Clune] and Tui [Lolohea] out.
“If you took away Jai Field, Bevan French and Harry Smith, or anybody else for that matter, say out of Saints’ team you take Jonny Lomax, Jack Welsby and that spine away then it obviously makes it a lot more difficult.”
Huddersfield Giants boss explains star signing’s absence
Tom Burgess’ arrival at the Accu Stadium in the off-season was perhaps the Giants’ biggest signing of 2025, however injuries and sub-par performances have dampened his campaign. Once again he was not involved in the win over the Dragons, after being named as 18th man.
Robinson discussed the situation regarding his marquee man, explaining that it was simply a “selection decision”.
“I just thought that the pack that played had played really well before. I thought Olly Wilson coming back into the side based on his form before injury deserved to be in. It’s nothing more than a selection decision.
He continued: “He’s a professional and he’s been around the game long enough. He’s really good for our culture and for the young lads.
“We don’t expect him to change or be any different. We’ve said all along that this is not about the team but about the squad and let’s be honest, we’ve probably used an even bigger squad than we anticipated at the start of the year.
“We’ve shown that we’re a squad-first club.”
