Huddersfield Giants secure play-off spot with comfortable victory over Castleford Tigers.

Credit: Dan Hargraves

Falling in love with themselves or sat waiting for the playoffs.

The opinion of Giants manager Ian Watson after his side suffered three defeats in four games ahead of their meeting against the Tigers on Thursday night.

Having been criticised this week for their lack of flare in attack, the Giants showed just how good they can be when they take risks as they ran away with a 36-10 victory after a dominant second-half performance.

Even though the final results shows a deserved victory for the hosts, they were forced to come from behind following an early Greg Eden try which opened the scoring.

Oliver Russell’s first Super League try of the season and a superb diving effort from Louis Senior completed the comeback before the break. But Castleford pegged back Huddersfield minutes into the second half with Alex Mellor going over following a 40/20 from Danny Richardson.

Just as the visitors had dragged themselves back level, Huddersfield were gifted the lead once again with Eden dropping Theo Fages high kick allowing Leroy Cudjoe to break his try drought with the easiest of finishes.

On the very next set, Toby King broke the defensive line to set up Tui Lolohea who turned from provider to try scorer. Quick-fire tries from Ricky Leutele, Senior and a try from Super League top try-scoring forward Chris McQueen capped off a deserved victory and ultimately secured Huddersfield’s first playoff spot in seven years.

Securing the two points moves the Giants just one point behind Wigan Warriors who occupy second place and the final home Semi-final spot.

Having only lost once at the John Smith’s Stadium all season against reigning champions St Helens, securing a home Semi-final could be a huge advantage towards reaching the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on September 24th.

The Giants will face Leeds Rhinos who themselves are battling it out to secure a playoff spot next Thursday. They will end the regular season with home games against Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity before they compete in the playoffs.

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