Stevo wonders if Huddersfield can keep the momentum going to see off St Helens at Knowlsey Rd.
Can the Giants make their mark?
The Giants have got 15 minutes to show us that have a chance against Saints. I know a game is eighty minutes long but what they do in that first quarter of an hour will decide the outcome of this game.
They have to do to Saints what they did to Warrington - hit them hard and fast and not let them get into their stride at all. It won't be easy and I doubt very much if Saints will wilt like Warrington did.
Huddersfield coach Nathan brown will also be hoping that it is pouring down on Friday night because that would play right into the hands of the Giants. They have got the momentum and it is going to be fascinating to see if they can keep it going.
Mind you they are up against a side that also has the ability to play a very tough and slow game. Remember when they played Warrington? The wolves scored two quick tries out wide, but then all Saints did was shut up shop, take runs from dummy half with short sharp passes and put safety first. They just drove the ball and completely drove through Warrington, that is what they can do against Huddersfield if they have to.
We all know about the size and strength of the Giants pack and they are going to have one heck of a battle on their hands against the likes of James graham, Keiron Cunningham and James Roby.
They have a very good organiser in Danny Brough. I think Luke Robinson is also playing well and Kevin Brown - well he is a very talented player indeed.
For St Helens well Matty Smith is playing out of his skin but he will have to be on his mettle because the big guys from the Giants will pinpoint him. They could also be boosted by the return of Kyle Eastmond. Then there is the Cunningham factor. He wants this more than anything. This is his last game at Knowsley Rd and he wants to get to the Grand Final and finish his career by lifting that trophy at Old Trafford.
If anyone of them is off form though Huddersfield will make them pay and put them in a deep hole- they have shown that they have the power and the strength to win this. The kicking game is going to be vital too and Brough against Smith will be interesting.
Star man
The clash between Keith Mason and James Graham is going to be massive! Mason adds a lot of bite. A lot of people say that he does not to anything. Well he doesn't have to do anything he is just a rough and tough player. He upsets people and when people get upset all their quality and skill factor goes out the window.
Steve Says
As I said that first 15 minutes will decided the outcome. If Huddersfield get off to a flyer and score early then the confidence will build up and they will be very hard to stop. The longer it goes on though the more it swings in the favour of St Helens. Saints are a class outfit and know all about the pressure of these play-offs.
