Huddersfield Giants prop Eorl Crabtree insists that it will be heated competition to secure a spot in Paul Anderson’s side in 2015, and admits he’ll have to be at his best to lock down a place in the team.
The prop division at the Giants has been bolstered with the arrival of Craig Huby from Castleford Tigers for 2015, and Crabtree is keen to lay down a marker as early as possible to ensure he’s in contention for the opening weekend game against Hull FC in February.
“It’s going to be tough from the start,” said the 32-year-old.
“Everyone’s going to need to be at their best against Bradford to guarantee they’re included at Halifax the following week, and it’s going to get tougher to make sure you’re in the frame for Hull.
“And I know reputations won’t count for anything when Paul Anderson makes his final pick. It’ll be down to how well we perform as individuals.”
Meanwhile, boss Paul Anderson revealed that whilst he’s got a team in mind for their opening pre-season friendly against Bradford this Sunday, it only means there is an opportunity for players to stake a place in the side when the season kicks off – as opposed to giving hints to what his team will be against Hull.
“These games are trials,” Anderson said. “There’s a team in mind for Sunday and that will be by no means the team who plays in Round One of the competition. There’s some jostling to be done, and that’s why they’re trials.”
