Giants v Reds: Teams
Huddersfield head coach Nathan Brown is looking for a magic performance from his side against Salford on Sunday.
Last Updated: 25/05/12 6:06pm
Huddersfield head coach Nathan Brown is looking for his side to bounce back to winning ways against Salford on Sunday.
The third-placed Giants went down 32-12 to Wigan last time, while they also recently suffered a 27-20 reverse at Catalan Dragons.
Brown believes the Magic Weekend showcases rugby league at its very best and he is looking for a performance from his high-flying side.
He told the club's official website: "The number one priority is to put in a performance and get back to winning ways on a big stage after suffering losses to two very good teams over the past month.
"Everyone is looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium. It's a fantastic venue and, all being well, it's a ground that will help bring the best out of us.
"I've made no secret of how big a fan I am of the Magic Weekend concept, and whoever came up with the idea at the RFL deserves a huge pat on the back.
"I know it's all about taking Super League games on the road, and Manchester isn't that far down the road for most of the teams and hopefully it means there'll be big crowds on both days. The weather forecast is also looking pretty positive."
While Salford sit in tenth in the table, Brown is not under-estimating their attacking threat.
He added: "From an attacking point of view they are really threatening.
"They've got some good halves, a great full-back and a lot of pace out wide. Daniel Holdsworth, Matty Smith and Luke Patten make a formidable triangle and both centres are threatening and both wingers are very quick. That is a dangerous team. Phil Veivers is doing a very good job."
Huddersfield have centre Joe Wardle back after sitting out the defeat by Wigan, so Jason Chan reverts to second row in the only likely change. Forward Luke O'Donnell and hooker Tommy Lee are the Giants' only injury absentees.
Chan threat
Salford coach Phil Veivers has identified Chan as the key danger man for Huddersfield, where he was briefly in charge in 1998.
He told the Manchester Evening News: "Jason Chan has been single-handedly killing teams defensively with his powerful running this season.
"He's a real handful and a very good forward. I've taken note of this and it's something we've talked about.
"We're going to have to step-up and also make sure that we take every opportunity."
He added: "We're taking on a very good team and will have to be at our best if we are to win."
Salford are boosted by the return of prop Shannon McPherson, who takes the place of Ryan Boyle, and back rower Vinnie Anderson, while recent signing Luke Towers has been named in the initial 19-man squad hoping to make his Super League debut.
Huddersfield: Grix, Lawrence, Cudjoe, Gilmour, McGillvary, Brown, Brough, Crabtree, Robinson, Mason, Fa'alogo, Faiumu, Patrick, Ferguson, Wardle, Chan, George, Eden, Moore.
Salford: Patten, Broughton, Gleeson, Moon, Williams, Holdsworth, Smith, Jewitt, Howarth, McPherson, Ashurst, Anderson, Wild, Sidlow, Paleaaesina, Towers, Nero, Owen, Adamson.