Brough the Jewell in Brown’s Crown

Huddersfield Giants 50-16 Bradford Bulls

Down the years, sets of Bradford Bulls supporters would travel to Huddersfield Giants’ Galpharm Stadium, expecting their side to come away with the two points on offer.

Sunday’s convincing 50-16 victory by the home side though, shows how times have changed. The Bulls’ ‘transitional period’ has long since expired and failure to reach the end of season play offs for a third successive season would represent a seismic power shift in the region.

Giants’ Head coach, Nathan Brown didn’t afford the luxury of his side getting carried away though. Aware that they are top of Super League and there to be shot at, he spoke of areas to improve on.

“We need to be more intense for the Wigan game on Friday night. We’ve just got to keep working hard and maintain our standards.” Said Brown.

With the formidable Brough and [Kevin] Brown partnership at half back pulling many strings the boot is firmly on the other foot as the Giants take the initiative early in the campaign.

In fact it was the former’s ability with his boot that proved to be the engineer for a game-winning display despite early profligacy.

Huddersfield’s six tries in the opening 29 minutes set the tone for the afternoon as Bradford were overrun in every position. Jermaine McGillvary and Graeme Horne both grabbed braces, and even the absence of Luke O’Donnell for 10 minutes due to a sin-bin couldn’t revive the Bulls’ carcass.

Brough’s performance raised questions over his international prospects, to which he did no harm. Nathan Brown was glowing in the aftermath and gently reminded Steve McNamara of his England side’s deficiencies.

“Kicking is where England struggled last year and Danny is capable of filling that void. He doesn’t have to play brilliantly to stand out. He used to be rocks or diamonds. Everyone, including himself, is pleased with his consistency.” Said Brown.

The plaudits even rolled in from Bradford’s Maori centre Patrick Ah Van, who said: “We lack the playmakers that Huddersfield possess. That partnership ran the show, but we weren’t good enough. It’s the basics such as missed tackles and being slow out the line which are letting us down at the moment.”

The prolific goal kicker’s afternoon was epitomised by a lackadaisical consolation conversion and reiterating his boss Mick Potter’s post match comments, seemed the only way of consoling himself. Potter said: “Huddersfield are a different proposition and their quality players punished us.”

It could be a difficult week for the Bulls players in training this week as they have the second worst defence in the league. “There’s a lot of defensive work that needs doing, we put no pressure on Huddersfield’s line and we can’t let that happen against any side in this division.” Said the Australian.

Huddersfield’s training this week is potentially more compelling however. Keeping a calm head will prove difficult in the build up to Friday night’s clash with the Champions after handing out a lesson in kick and chase to their once louder neighbours.