Huddersfield Giants coach Luke Robinson was left lamenting his side's lack of discipline following their 24-10 defeat to the Leigh Leopards at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday. The Leopards secured victory behind tries from Keanan Brand, David Armstrong, Matt Davis, and Tesi Niu, extending their perfect start to the season.
Despite the scoreline, Robinson felt the game was closer than it appeared. "I don’t think the scoreline reflected the game," he said, noting the deficit was misleading. He pointed out, “We were the masters of our own downfall really. I thought we showed a lack of discipline.” His analysis highlighted the ill-discipline his team displayed, particularly during the second half. A penalty for touching the kicker after the play gave the Leopards favorable field position, from which they capitalized.
Robinson expressed disappointment over how much time his team spent defending. "It was just unfortunate for us... we just did too much defending, and inevitably when you play against a side like Leigh who have attacking threats throughout the side, eventually they’ll make you pay," he commented.
Adding to the Giants’ woes was the fact they were forced to cope with player absences. Robinson noted, "I was really disappointed when Armstrong made the break; Jake Bibby got a head knock so we were a man out of the line and we lost Jack Murchie." The absence of key players put immense pressure on the remaining team members, who held their ground valiantly for much of the match but succumbed to Leigh's pressing offense.
George Flanagan made his Super League debut for Huddersfield during this encounter, and Robinson was quick to praise the young player. Flanagan, typically playing as fullback, stepped up to play as halfback due to Hull KR recalling Danny Richardson from loan. "I thought he did really well," Robinson said. "The conditions were not easy for him as it was wet and windy. He made his tackles… I’m pleased for George.” Flanagan completed the game, scoring six points from conversions, contributing to the Giants’ offense even as they struggled overall.
Adrian Lam, coach of the triumphant Leigh Leopards, acknowledged the difficulty of the game, stating, “It was tough to watch at times, but you get what you get sometimes in these kinds of conditions.” Lam also addressed the weather challenges, citing hurricane winds and rain as factors influencing gameplay. His team adapted by amassing more two-point goals, demonstrating their pragmatism under adverse conditions.
The match marked Huddersfield's second defeat of the season, and Robinson is left to reflect on how his team might correct their mistakes moving forward. With both positive moments and shortcomings highlighted, he aims to reinforce discipline as the season progresses.
Robinson's sentiments resonate with fans and analysts alike who recognize the potential within the Giants but see the imperative need for improvement to convert encouraging plays and competitive spirit to tangible results. Overall, the need for maintaining composure and discipline remains salient as the Huddersfield Giants look toward their next match, hoping to turn around their fortunes against the competition.