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BBC News
23-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'More bumps in road ahead' for Giants
Huddersfield Giants director of rugby Andy Kelly says following the struggling club this season is "not for the faint-hearted".Kelly, 64, sent an open message to supporters on the club website, external with the Giants rock-bottom of Super League and without a 23-10 reverse at fellow strugglers Salford was their sixth straight defeat in all competitions for the Giants who were also knocked out of the Challenge Cup."The performance at Salford was below any of the standards we set and, of all our defeats to date in 2025, the most painful," he said."I feel an apology would be a superficial fix but one that, if given, would be sincere. If I believed it would not be necessary again I would gladly give it."What I know is this period of time is not for the faint-hearted and needs courage and fortitude."Kelly said injuries had been a factor in their poor start, but insisted the club would turn their fortunes around and find "top-six consistency"."We are driven to improve the fortunes and future of this club, but it will not be a short-term thing, and yes we will have bumps in the road," he added.
BBC News
20-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Saints have made noticeable improvement
Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess says he has noticed an improvement in St Helens courtesy of their additions from the Feldt and Tristan Sailor have joined Paul Wellens' side this term, from North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos, respectively, and quickly integrated themselves in their Wire will face St Helens on Friday (20:00 GMT) in the first of three fixtures over the course of the next month in Super League and the Challenge Cup."There's certainly an improvement. They've changed their attack a little bit and thrown a bit more of the ball around which is good," Burgess told BBC Radio Merseyside."Then you've got the typical physical Saints, so they're in a good spot for sure."Despite two defeats in a row in Super League, Warrington overcame Championship side Widnes Vikings in order to set up another meeting with Saints in the Challenge Cup next on their return to league action - and with newly signed half-back Marc Sneyd set to make his debut - Burgess is feeling bright about his side's immediate future."All the markers tell us we've turned a corner in our game. We've tidied a few things up and we're a bit healthier," he added."Not much will faze him [Sneyd]. He's been around the block for a while so he knows how to manage it."It only helps George [Williams] and the side in so many different ways. He could take a couple of weeks or months to gel but we'll build on that over the next couple of weeks."He's a very intelligent player and he's a natural half so he's a good fit."
