Huddersfield Giants have progressed to the last 16 of the Challenge Cup, after a 52-6 victory over Hunslet saw them progress to the next round.
New signing Chris Patolo opened the scoring after four minutes, before George Flanagan Jr added the Giants’ second inside the opening 10.
Fellow new recruit Asher O’Donnell also got his name on the scoresheet, whilst Tui Lolohea added a brace in the hefty victory.
Speaking post-match, boss Luke Robinson was proud of his team’s effort, as they look to become a real force in this year’s competition.
Like some other Super League clubs, they didn’t come away scot-free, and two players picked up knocks – including star full-back Flanagan Jr.
Here is everything the head coach had to say, as they now prepare to take on Catalans Dragons in the opening round of Super League.
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Huddersfield Giants boss reflects on Challenge Cup win over Hunslet RLFC
Q. Pleased with the performance?
“Very much so. I’ve said before we want to put a real importance on the Challenge Cup.
“We don’t want to just make the numbers up, we want to actually go as far as we can this year and obviously, that’s the first round done.
“I though we had a really professional performance to be honest. I thought from minute one we really took control of the game in pretty torrid conditions.
“It’s bee raining heavily for the last 48 hours. The pitch was pretty boggy, so I thought everything we did tonight was really positive.”
Q. Impressed with the impact of the new signings?
“Yeah, very much so. I thought Asher [O’Donnell], set the stall out very early doors. I think the first couple of minutes he skittled a few people and pretty much everyone after that did the same thing.
“Chris [Patolo] after that, got a really nice try and had some really good touches and some good runs.
“[Mathieu] Cozza only played limited minutes a the end of the game, but again, he showed that he’s going to be really valuable to us. Someone who can play multiple positions as well, so we’re really pleased with all three.”
Q. What did you make of Tui Lolohea and Oliver Russell’s performance?
“I thought we were really controlled. It’s very difficult in these conditions to actually throw the ball around. We want to be a side that actually tests [other] sides and throw the ball around in them early plays, but it’s very difficult when it’s been so wet and boggy. I still felt like they combined really well.
“Russell has had a little bit of a torrid pre-season really. He’s only trained with us three or four times in the whole pre-season.
“They’re going to keep getting better and better, but funnily enough, that’s their first time out together, and I thought they were good.”
Q. What’s the latest on George Flanagan Jr’s injury?
“It’s just cramp at this moment. He limped off with it, did George, a little bit of cramp to his calves, which is happening a little bit often at the moment.
“He seems to get tight calves in games, so we’ll have to make sure he’s getting enough of the electrolytes or salts in his system before the game.
“The other one was Sam Halsall, who had a little bit of a tight groin, but I think they’re both precautionary at the moment.”
Leeds Rhinos’ latest transfer pursuit, Hull FC new boy assessed and potential cup ‘upsets’ – Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show here.
