Returning Giants give Brown chance to strengthen

After last week’s 47-0 embarrassment at Warrington, ordinarily a large majority of that under-performing squad could have feared the axe.

However, Brown’s underlying belief is his side are good enough to retrieve the situation and reach the Super League qualifying play-offs at the second attempt by defeating Leeds Rhinos.

“The players don’t need much motivating now,” insisted the Australian.

“They just need a little bit of encouragement and a reminder that they are good players, a good group, with good execution. They are as good as any side.

“Sport, in general, is a funny thing and it can soon turn around; when you get to this stage of the year it is usually because you have played some good football and you have got capable players in your squad.”

Brown has strengthened his group with the return from injury of his first-choice centre pairing – England’s Leroy Cudjoe and Joe Wardle, who has been one of the discoveries of the season.

That facilitates the chance for ex-Great Britain star Lee Gilmour to revert to his customary position of second-row while fellow makeshift centre Graeme Horne is expected to sit out.

With the commanding Dale Ferguson also back in the frame, it is easy to see why Brown is more confident of righting last week’s wrongs.

“We will be fielding a much stronger and more balanced side,” he said.

“It’s pleasing that we have Leroy Cudjoe, Joe Wardle and Dale Ferguson available.

“They probably could have played last week but you had to weigh up the risk and reward.

“We took the safe approach; we have got them back and it all starts this week.”

Brown added: “It is a big bonus to have our No 1 centres back in the team.

“It gives us something to play to on either edge and defensively they are very reliable players also which helps.

“All three players when fit are normally in our top 17 so, regardless of whether we had won last week or not, they would have come straight into the squad anyway.

“Their form has earned that and when we have had our best wins, those three have been playing.”

Wardle – who turned 20 yesterday – returns having also missed the 31-24 loss against Leeds a fortnight ago.

His steeliness should see the holes exploited down that right edge by Rhinos that afternoon more suitably shored up.

“That was probably one of the best games we have been involved in for a while,” said Brown.

“The speed of the game was good and quality of both sides in periods was very high too. This should be no different.”