WATCH - Huddersfield Giants v Salford Red Devils: Actions need to speak louder than words '“ Gaskell
The 11th-placed Giants host Salford Red Devils – just one place and one point above them – tomorrow having not won in their last five games.
Caretaker coach Chris Thorman takes charge for the fourth time following Rick Stone’s sacking and he did oversee a Good Friday draw with Leeds Rhinos.
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Hide AdThe second-half display against Castleford Tigers on Sunday, when Huddersfield scored four tries in a 40-28 defeat, also offered encouragement.
But former Bradford Bulls stand-off Gaskell admitted: “We need the two points now.
“Nearly midway through the season we need to try picking up as many wins as possible.
“I think we’ve done enough talking now; it’s time to take our actions on to the pitch and give fans something to cheer about and start climbing the ladder.
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Hide Ad“Salford are enthusiastic and in a similar position to us; everyone needs two points down at the bottom, so it will be a tough game.
“It’s us or them. Who wants it more? At the end of the day we can put on as many special plays as we want, but it’s about determination and working hard for each other on Sunday.”
Gaskell has spent much of this season at centre in the continued absence of injured Leroy Cudjoe.
However, with Danny Brough also sidelined by an ankle problem against Castleford, he lined up in his preferred half-back role.
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Hide Ad“It was good, but as long as we get the wins I’m not really fussed where I play to be honest,” insisted the former St Helens star.
“If that happens and everyone’s playing well I’m happy. I’ll concentrate on my job whatever that position is or even if not in the team, I’ll still support the lads.
“It was a good confidence builder to score some points in the second half against Cas and take into this week. But that first half was too far off. It wasn’t good enough – the game was lost there – so we have to concentrate on that against Salford.”
Gaskell scored eight tries in 18 games during a loan spell from Saints at Salford in 2013 before moving to Odsal.
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Hide AdHe recalled: “It was good to be honest. I enjoyed my time there.
“They were a good group of lads. It’s changed a bit since I was there, but I’ve still got a few friends who are doing well. It’s good to be here (Huddersfield) now though.”
Gaskell is in the second year of a four-year contract after joining from Bradford.
He scored a dozen tries in 27 appearances last term although he missed the match against Hull FC last March after reporting an issue with an irregular heartbeat during the warm-up.
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Hide AdThe 27-year-old said: “It’s been fine since. I did my elbow recently, which was a freak accident. I got it infected and spent five nights in hospital, but apart from that I’ve been fine (health-wise).”
Brough is back in the 19-man squad tomorrrow with Ryan Hinchcliffe, Kruise Leeming, Alex Mellor and Darnell McIntosh.
Innes Senior, Adam O’Brien and Tyler Dicking drop out along with injured duo Michael Lawrence and Dale Ferguson.