Huddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos: Giants' cause not lost insists seasoned pack man Lawrence

Giants will square up to the champions at John Smith’s Stadium three days after Rick Stone became the first Betfred Super League coach to lose his job this season. Former Huddersfield player Chris Thorman, 37, has been placed in caretaker charge during the search for a permanent boss.

Giants are second from bottom in the table with only two wins from their seven games so far, but Lawrence insists – despite recent results and this week’s upheaval – they are far from a lost cause.

“I’ve had a look at the table and the team in seventh is only two points ahead of us,” Lawrence said.

“If we get a couple of wins we are back in the top-eight, that’s how close it is.

“There are fine margins between being in the bottom-four and the top-eight.

“We know if we can string a few wins together and build some form we will be right back in the mix. That is our aim and it starts on Friday.”

Giants have been Rhinos’ bogey team, though Leeds won there twice last season.

“It is a massive game,” Lawrence said of today’s clash.

“Everybody at the club gets up for when we play Leeds and we’ve had some good wins against them in recent years.

“Hopefully it’ll be no different this time.

“We’ve prepared the best we can and we are looking for a big game.

“It’s one we look forward to. They bring a good following, it’s always a decent atmosphere and it’s one our fans seem to get up for.

“Leeds are the champions. They are always there competing for trophies at the end of the season so it will be a tough test, but it’s one we will be up for.”