Watson previews Panthers trial

We recap the main information as Ian Watson spoke to the press on our trial against Halifax Panthers tomorrow

Ian Watson is impressed with the shape of his squad and their mentality ahead to the Giants trial fixture with Halifax Panthers tomorrow, behind closed doors at The Shay. The trial is the first chance, albeit away from the public eye, for Giants Head Coach Watson to see his squad in a competitive fixture. 

Watson previewed the game and is confident about the mentality of the camp leading into the run-out. 

"You want to be doing well, and to be seen to be wanting to do well - everyone's got to be on the same page, and that's what we've got at the minute" said Watson. 

The former Swinton and Salford Head Coach has been in charge before New Year, and has seen a number of the Giants players who have impressed him in his short time at the club.

"There's been quite a few who have responded well. They're in good condition and they work really well as a unit. There are a few of the younger players who have put their hand up well; Fenton Rogers and Will Pryce to name a few, but also Olly Russell. I knew about Olly before I came here, and that he had potential but some of the work he's been doing in training has been phenomenal."

In terms of injuries, aside from the long-term lay-off to Ashton Golding, Watson confirmed that he'll have nearly a full squad to pick from at the trial.

"We're not too bad at the moment [fitness wise]. We've had a few niggles over the course of pre-season, dead legs and such, but we're doing quite well. Sam Wood is the only other one, with a ligament strain, but he'll be close to playing in the Leeds game so we'll see where he is then."

Watson has also been impressed with the competition at full-back to replace Ashton, will Olly Ashall-Bott arriving in pre-season, and Aidan McGowan and Will Pryce coming up from the Academy. He's not made any decisions about the replacement for Golding in the squad, but will use the run-out against Halifax as a chance to see his options. 

"We've got really good competition; Will Pryce, Aidan McGowen, Olly Ashall-Bott has played really well so far. We're trying a few combinations and we'll know more at the end of the game tomorrow."

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