Huddersfield Giants forward Ryan Hinchcliffe is hopeful that the ‘soul-searching’ among the players following a disastrous few weeks finally results in a positive performance and result tonight.
The Australian believes it is time for the players to take responsibility of their actions after last week’s hammering at St Helens, which leaves the coach-less Giants second-bottom on the Super League table.
And, as they prepare to head to Warrington this evening, Hinchcliffe it is high time things change – and is hopeful the manner of last week’s defeat will serve as strong motivation.
“I think it has to,” he said.
“I don’t think I’ve ever played in a game where I’ve had 60 points scored against me. That’s hard to take, very embarrassing. If it’s not the kick-up the backside needed to think, ‘maybe I need to make changes, maybe look at my preparation and have a good hard look at myself’ then I don’t know what is.
“We’ll definitely expect a response from everyone. We’ve had some soul-searching. That result isn’t acceptable. It’s time to take some responsibility.”
Hinchcliffe, however, insists the situation is far from a formality when it comes to Huddersfield looking in increasing danger of being dragged into a battle against relegation in the Qualifiers.
“We only have to look at last year as an example; we’re in a similar position as we were then,” he said.
“But we’re not holding our hat on that in any way as we do need to start winning some games. “It’s an old cliché, but if we train well and prepare well we give ourselves a chance of putting some results together as we start bringing some players back in (from injury). Warrington are a good side. They’ve a lot of points in them but, with 60 points put on us last week, defence is our priority.”