Shropshire Star

Thorman to continue giving Huddersfield hairdryer treatment after Leeds draw

The Giants sacked Rick Stone earlier this week after a wretched start to the year.

Published

Chris Thorman spoke of his pride in Huddersfield’s battling performance against Super League champions Leeds but admitted: “Why has it taken someone to get sacked to do it?”

Jordan Rankin missed a last-minute drop goal to steal victory after Leeds fought back from 22-16 down with Ash Handley’s second try and Kallum Watkins’ conversion four minutes from time.

Thorman stepped in as caretaker coach after Australian Rick Stone’s departure four days ago.

“I haven’t done anything specific in terms of coaching and game plan,” said Thorman, whose first selection included debuts for teenagers Liam Senior and Sam Hewitt.

“But I wanted them to realise they have let a lot of people down.

“We got a response and a more assured, confident performance.

“And from where we have come from in the last month makes it hard to be too critical.

“But we didn’t get the win and we need to start chalking up the W’s.

“I ripped into them before the game and spoke to them with a fair bit of intent immediately before kick-off.

“Maybe this is what this team needs? And if they want someone to give them the hair dryer that’s what I will do.”

But Thorman refused to be critical of Rankin who pushed his single point attempt wide of the posts.

“I was really pleased Jordan put his hand up,” Thorman added. “It was just unfortunate he didn’t strike it like he wanted to.

“But I can’t be critical. The fact he wanted to stand there and kick in a high-pressure situation is to be acknowledged.”

Leeds boss Brian McDermott also questioned Huddersfield’s attitude in recent weeks.

“Huddersfield had a reason to be good. They always get up for us,” he said.

“This week they were playing Leeds and the coach has just got sacked.

“The question is why weren’t they that good in the previous weeks? Why weren’t they that enthusiastic? They have questions to ask themselves.

“Every time Kallum Watkins caught the ball he had eight men around him. Every time Tom Briscoe and Ryan Hall tried to get out of dummy half, they were really switched on.

“It made it a contest. A couple of jaggy tries from them and all of a sudden it became a contest.

“We didn’t react well to some of that adversity to start with. It took us a while to get a grip of the game.

“Having said that we did fight back. But Huddersfield stayed determined all the way through and never dropped off.

“It’s not all doom and gloom but no-one is cheering in the dressing room.”

Leeds host Salford on Easter Monday while the Giants travel to rock-bottom Catalans Dragons.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.