Ian Watson almost happy Huddersfield lost to Wigan

After coming up short against Wigan Warriors last week, Huddersfield Giants will face an even sterner test of their title credentials in 2023 as they take on Champions St Helens. tonight.

It could be a concern for the Giants that they have lost to the likes of Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors so far this season, but for Ian Watson he is almost glad that they have lost these big games against their title rivals.

He explained ahead of the game against St Helens:

“There were a couple of little flaws and silly errors that we needed to tidy up ourselves.

“There will be a couple of little tweaks but we weren’t unhappy or dismayed at the performance against Wigan. We thought it was a really good step of where we’re building to.

“We just know there was little things we could have done a hell of a lot better, like in the Warrington game. And if we’d done them then you’re four from four.

“But if we had have won then it wouldn’t have helped us learn some of the lessons that we probably have learnt this week. It’s good to learn them now rather than in the playoff games or at the back end of the year.”

Looking ahead to the game against St Helens, he said:

“I think what sometimes people overlook is how many years teams like St Helens and Wigan and how many years they’ve been doing this for.

“Their cultures are set in stone, their environment is set in stone in terms of what it takes to be a professional and a Wigan or St Helens player.

“That’s why they’re there at the end of the season, season on season.

“I feel like we’re going in that direction, are we right there like they are at this moment of time? I’d say no, I’d say there’s a lot if improvement in terms of what we can do.

“But they’ve been building for decades, they’re definitely a landmark team in what you want to aspire to but that doesn’t mean you can’t beat them. You should always go into the game confident you can beat them.

“They might go in nervy if they’ve gone in and lost two and beat Hull. It shows that teams can beat them on their day and if we bring our A game I’m sure we’re good enough to compete against St Helens.”