Ian Watson hails Huddersfield for overcoming adversity in Wakefield win

Huddersfield coach Ian Watson was pleased with how his side overcame adversity to claim a 14-12 win over Wakefield on Thursday. 

Giants ended their three-match winless run with a close victory at the Be Well Support Stadium. The visitors overturned an eight-point deficit at half-time to claim the victory.

Watson explained earlier in the week that his camp had been hit by the flu. It forced a late withdrawal of England winger Jermaine McGillvary. They were also without several players due to suspension, including Jack Cogger. 

The Huddersfield boss also revealed that stand-off Oliver Russell was unable to train during the week and back-rower Joe Greenwood was not expected to get past the warm-up.

Ian Watson: ‘It’s a huge win’

“It was a big, big win for us,” said Watson. “Especially with some of the things that have gone, not only this week but today with having the flu in the camp and people pulling out,” Watson said.

“We had five players who were struggling and two were not expected to get through the warm-up. It’s been chaotic but the boys showed an immense amount of character.

“Joe Greenwood wasn’t expected to get through the warm-up but he was fantastic.

“It’s a huge win. We said if we lost here again today, it could push us back down the table and separate us into that lower group whereas a win keeps us in touching distance of the top group where we want to be.

“I’m also a big believer that we’ve got to go into the semi-final with some kind of form or be playing to your processes. I thought we were outstanding with it.

“Last week I felt we lacked a hunger and desire but tonight we showed that along with a never-say-die attitude. They stuck to the process and got the result.”

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