Huddersfield Giants v Crusaders: Robinson wary of underdogsCrusaders' challenge

Nathan Brown's side entertain debutants Crusaders this afternoon, the Welsh franchise which won just three games all last season but has transformed under former Bradford chief Brian Noble to remarkably clinch eighth spot just 12 months later.

Giants scrum-half Luke Robinson said: "It's a great story and what a great job Brian Noble has done.

"He should be there or thereabouts for coach of the year.

"Nobby didn't really have a team in January but they have managed to not only compete but do a really good job.

"They are very, very talented with the ball and can pose questions with dangerous players like Jarrod Sammut.

"I don't think he knows what he's going to do some times so for us to defend against him will be hard."

However, Huddersfield, aiming for a sixth successive victory, are determined to deliver their first play-off triumph in the elimination contest.

They lost to Hull in 2007 and saw a season of promise ruined with consecutive defeats against St Helens and Catalans last year.

"The wheels fell off then," conceded Robinson, who is revelling in some of the finest form of his own career.

"But we picked up injuries and were effectively making up numbers with players out of position, something you can't do against the top sides

"It's the reverse now though – we're gaining players back, picking up wins and playing with confidence.

"We've learned a lot from last season and there's no excuses this time."

Castleford Tigers have had their 40,000 fine for misconduct halved by a Rugby Football League appeals tribunal.

The fine was imposed in June following homophobic chants levelled by Tigers' fans at Crusaders' winger Gareth Thomas at The Jungle in March.