Symonds: Being written off is a plus

Huddersfield are one of the last teams many people are touting for Super League silverware this year, but forward Tom Symonds thinks the Giants can use it to their advantage.

The Giants finished bottom of the Super League after the regular season in 2016 and narrowly avoided the Million Pound Game thanks to a late Danny Brough drop-goal.

“We wouldn’t be highly fancied after last year but it probably suits us we could fly under the radar,” Symonds told Love Rugby League.

“Last year we were expected to do well and this year we’re not expected to do well so it takes away a bit of that pressure I guess.”

Much has been made of the tough pre-season implemented by head coach Rick Stone but Symonds isn’t surprised with the intensity after last season’s finish.

“You expect to have a really hard pre-season with how last year ended,” he said.

“It’s been about work ethic and building those basic things that you win games on.

“Stuff like defence, fitness and a bit of comradery.”

The 27-year old joined the Giants mid-way through last season from Manly and explained how he felt the pressure right from day one.

“Looking back it was a bit of whirlwind, stressful but good fun all those in one,” he said.

“I think the downside was playing in the games you don’t want to be playing in.”