Pundit destroys ‘not bothered’ Huddersfield Giants players with brutal assessment of squad

Former England international and current pundit Danika Priim has questioned the efforts from Huddersfield Giants players following their poor 2023 campaign to date.

Ian Watson’s side have claimed just five wins in 15 so far this year, while most recently they were on the end of a 54-0 hammering to Leeds Rhinos at Headingley Stadium.

The 2022 Challenge Cup finalists were knocked out of the prestigious competition this year by Salford in the sixth round, and have a huge challenge ahead with eight points separating them and the play-offs.

Huddersfield next travel to in-form Wigan, who have won their last two games over Warrington and Salford in the Challenge Cup and Super League respectively.

Pressure is mounting at the John Smith’s Stadium with Watson remaining confident he is the key man to lead Huddersfield, having taken Salford to their first Grand Final in 2019.

And Priim, who hung up the boots in 2021 after six-year career that saw her win every major honour in the domestic game, laid into the efforts of the players on the latest episode of Betfred’s The Last Tackle.

Huddersfield Giants efforts questioned

“It’s more than a coach, you’re looking deeper now,” Priim said.

“You’ve got to start questioning the players. There were some poor attempts – not even attempts – at tackling. There were some soft tries.

“I thought there was no desire to get your body in front. And I think that’s where if you’re not happy playing, you’re not happy in the squad and maybe that’s what it is.

“I’m speculating obviously as I’m not involved, but there seems some not bothered campers there.”

Huddersfield have conceded a huge 132 points in their last three Super League fixtures, and will face Matt Peet’s Warriors without influential half-back Theo Fages due to injury.

“We don’t know what goes on behind the scenes, but we know Ian Watson’s history and we know how good he is at coming back and firing up a group of players that are individuals,” Priim continued.

“Huddersfield are one of those teams that aren’t quite in the top four, not quite in the bottom six. They hover around and that’s kind of where they’re comfortable.

“I think it’s the worst state we’ve seen a Huddersfield team in a long time. Watching his post-match [against Leeds], it was awkward.

“I think Ian Watson has made a big statement there and he’s talking about people being on the edge, that well could be him as well.

“It is a big week for him.”

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