Huddersfield Giants boss Rick Stone is confident several first-team stars could return from injury in time for the Super 8s.

The Giants kick off their Super 8 fixtures on Friday when they do battle with Chris Chester's Wakefield Trinity.

Stone's men enjoyed a superb end to the season to sneak into the top eight and they will now be looking to march up the table before the end of the campaign.

The former Newcastle Knights coach has been without Jordan Turner and Michael Lawrence of late.

Stone admits Lawrence is close to making his comeback, while Alex Mellor could be back before the end of the Super 8s portion of the Super League season.

He told the club's official website: "We’re in much better shape than we were earlier in the year. With players coming back it adds strike and depth to our squad. Jordan Turner could have possibly played this week if we'd had a game so he’s available, which is very pleasing.

"Lawrence is a bit of a 50/50. He’s ripping into his training and chasing his tail to try and be ready. We’ll make some decisions around him during the week when we assess who else is available. He is back in training and hopefully he will be ready.

"Mellor also has a fair chance of being available. He’s been out for a couple of weeks with an AC joint shoulder injury so hopefully he’ll be available too."