LUKE Robinson says his Huddersfield Giants side will be facing “genuine contenders” for the Super League title in Warrington Wolves on Saturday.

And with his side set to feature several youngsters being given their opportunities to shine, he says his side can face them free from pressure.

While there is plenty on the line for The Wire at the John Smith’s Stadium as they bid to snatch a top-two spot, the same cannot be said for the home side, who are very much looking to the future.

They cannot finish any higher than their current position of ninth – and could even drop to 10th if results go against them – as their focus turns to 2025 and beyond under Robinson, who has recently been appointed as head coach on a permanent basis after taking interim charge following Ian Watson’s mid-season departure.

And he has called upon his players to deliver a performance any debutants in his side will be able to remember.

“I’m viewing this as an opportunity because there’s zero pressure on us. We have a lot of young lads out there,” he said during his pre-match press conference.

“I like what Melbourne do in that when they have blokes out there achieving milestones, they may not always win but they always try and put in a really good performance for that kid so they’ll at least remember it, and that’s the message I’ve been giving to the playing group.

“Although we’re down on experience and leaders, it’s an opportunity for someone else to stake a claim as being that leader, and a debut is something you should be able to remember for the rest of your life.”

That being said, Robinson acknowledged what is likely to be coming the other way against his side as opposite number Sam Burgess picks his strongest available side building into the play-offs.

He believes that, aided by the mid-season additions of Luke Yates from his side and John Bateman from Wests Tigers, The Wire have got stronger where other contenders have perhaps gone the other way.

“They’re one of the top few sides in the comp and they’re real contenders,” he said.

“I know everyone jokes about them being the nearly men but I look at them and think they can win this.

“They’ve got a really strong pack, the England captain in the halves and speed in the centres and on the wings.

“Then at full-back, whether they put the young kid Taylor-Wray in or Matt Dufty in, they’ve got speed. They’re a really dangerous proposition.

“When a lot of sides have been getting weaker through the year, I actually think they’ve got stronger.

“Teams around them have been struggling with injuries and they look to be getting better.

“I wouldn’t call them dark horses – I’d say they’re genuine contenders.”