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Huddersfield Giants boss hails youngsters but fires warning after Bradford Bulls loss

Huddersfield Giants Luke Robinson

Huddersfield Giants boss Luke Robinson has fired a warning to his team over his expectations following a loss to Bradford Bulls.

The Giants, who have been hampered by injuries, fielded a strong starting thirteen but had their bench loaded with academy players when they faced Bradford Bulls on Saturday in a 28-14 defeat.

Head coach Luke Robinson has hailed the efforts of his younger players but outlined a lack of physicality and intent, something he has labelled a non-negotiable and warned that his players ‘won’t be doing again’.

He had outlined the number of missing players when explaining that Huddersfield would be ‘foolish not to’ look at signing players from cash-strapped Salford Red Devils, however, he was clear in his praise for the club’s youngsters when speaking to the Giants’ YouTube channel.

“I’d have liked to have a fair few more of my first-team players out there to help the young lads but I had seven lads there making their debut having come from the academy – which is great to see,” he explained.

“Three of them weren’t even allowed to be in the same changing room as they’re not old enough, they’re only 17 years old. So for them, it’s a really good experience.

“The young kids were one of the pleasing things for me. I thought they stood up really well.”

Huddersfield Giants lacked ‘enthusiasm and desire’ in Bradford loss

Huddersfield Giants

Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

Despite starting with what was generally the best-available team he had in the sense that plenty of presumed starters playing, Robinson’s side were beaten to the punch early on as Bradford raced into a lead.

Approaching the half-time hooter Adam Swift scored to get the Giants on the board but Robinson asserted his discontent with the performance, particularly in that first half.

“I wasn’t very happy with the way we started,” he explained.

“Physically, I don’t think we were very good. We played alright but I don’t think we played with the enthusiasm and desire that we needed.

“In the second half, they put a few of them wrongs right but I thought we were a little bit soft down the middle.”

Asked about what he felt his side lacked relative to their Championship opponents, Robinson explained: “I just thought they carried the ball harder than us and defended with a bit more intent.

“The players know there is a non-negotiable, that is not how I coach and it’s definitely something that they won’t be doing again.

“There are lessons to take but we won’t get ahead of ourselves. How many games did Wigan win in pre-season last year? Who knows, because nobody keeps a count. It’s all about what happens when the league and Challenge Cup fixtures come around.”

Giants boss tops Bradford for Championship success

- 03/02/2019 - Rugby League - Betfred Championship - York City Knight v Toronto Wolfpack - Bootham Crescent, York, England - Brian Noble.

Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

It marked the second win of the pre-season for Bradford who have built one of the most impressive squads in the Championship this season. They’ve already been touted as favourites by Sheffield Eagles boss Craig Lingard and now Robinson is backing them also.

He said: “I spoke to Bruno (Michael Lawrence) and said that I think Bradford are going to be one of the best sides in the Championship this year, I think they’re going to be a force to be reckoned with and potentially go on and win it.

“They’ve got a lot of experience. When I looked at their squad compared to ours, there is a lot of experience in there.”

Despite the loss, Robinson circled back to the major positives of the game which was the fact that he was able to blood several youngsters who he explained he might have to call upon at some point.

“For our seven lads, it’s invaluable, and the way the season goes with how long it is – I might have to call on some of them lads at some point if we can’t get over this injury situation.

“Some of them boys will be all the better for playing.

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