Brown predicts tough times ahead

Brown saw his side lose to Warrington but they bounced back to defeat the Crusaders 42-16 to cement fourth place in the table and two shots at reaching the Grand Final. Next week fifth-placed Wigan Warriors arrive in Yorkshire knowing that they cannot catch fourth-placed Huddersfield even if they win.

"Next week is going to be a different challenge against Wigan. Then we will know how we have been travelling since the Challenge Cup," said Brown.

Half-back Shaun Lunt was hailed a hero as he notched two tries off the bench in the second half for Huddersfield.

"Shaun Lunt was one of our best players last week and he was probably our best this week too," added Brown.

"He has done very well and come from National League Two to being in the top four players of a side which has played in the Challenge Cup final so he must be very proud of himself."

However, Brown had sympathy with his fellow Australian John Dixon, head coach of the Crusaders who a fortnight ago found himself without six players who were all told to stop working for the Welsh club and deported for visa irregularities.

The Giants boss added: "They have obviously gone through a tough time with the players they have lost and also have lost Adam Peek and Marshall Chalk which makes eight of their top 13 players.

"Now, if you took eight of the top 13 players out of Leeds or St Helens, us or Hull KR, sides who are in the top four, it is hard.

"We didn't play great. We were good in patches but the opposition tried hard. They could easily have stopped trying but they are a good bunch of blokes and their coach is doing a great job because it is tough for them."