3 Apr 2023

Opposition Report - Huddersfield Giants

Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants close out this week's Rivals Round as the Rhinos look to get back to winning ways at Headingley Stadium on Sunday night, kick off 6pm.

Ahead of what is billed to be an exciting afternoon of Rugby League action, preview our opponents below:

2023 so far...

With three wins in six games so far in 2023, it's been a mixed start for Huddersfield Giants

An off-season full of new arrivals at the club saw Ian Watson assemble an almost brand new back line as the club built on last season's third-place finish. The return of Jake Connor from Hull FC was a headline transfer plus internationals Kevin Naiqama and Esan Marsters added NRL and Super League experience to a relatively young team.

A delayed start to the new season, due to St Helens' World Club Challenge game, saw the Giants play their first game of the season in round two. Despite going down 26-16 to Daryl Powell's high-flying Wolves, Huddersfield opened their account on the road against Wakefield in round three with an 8-0 result.

A dominant home win over Castleford saw Huddersfield hit top gear in a six-try performance before back-to-back defeats to St Helens and Wigan saw Watson's side lose out by only two points on both occasions.

Last week's result against Salford boosted the claret and golds up to sixth place in the league table, but the club will have to wait on updates on Will Pryce and Ashton Golding after the pair left the field with injuries in the 26-16 result.

Next five fixtures

Rivals Round vs Leeds Rhinos (Headingley, KO 6pm)

Round 9 vs Catalans Dragons (John Smith's Stadium, KO 7.45pm)

Round 10 vs Hull FC (MKM Stadium, KO 3pm)

Round 11 vs Huddersfield Giants (Sewell Group Craven Park, KO 8pm)

Round 12 vs Leigh Leopards (John Smith's Stadium, KO 7.45pm)

Last Super League Match

The Giants got revenge for last season's Play-Off defeat against Salford as the claret and golds ran out 26-16 victors at the weekend.

Owen Trout's two tries either side of half time helped Huddersfield into a ten point lead, before Chris McQueen's try with five minutes left sealed the win for Watson's side.

2023 Squad Numbers

Jake Connor
Jermaine McGillvary
Esan Marsters
Kevin Naiqama
Jake Bibby
Tui Lolohea
Theo Fages
Chris Hill
Nathan Peats
Joe Greenwood
Josh Jones
Chris McQueen
Luke Yates
Ashton Golding
Matty English
Harry Ruston
Owen Trout
Seb Ikahihifo
Adam O'Brien

Oliver Wilson
Leroy Cudjoe
Harvey Livett
Olly Russell
Sam Halsall
Innes Senior
Nathan Mason
Jack Ashworth
George Roby
Sam Hewitt
Fenton Rogers
Jack Bibby
Will Pryce
Kieran Rush
Aidan McGowan

Tale of the tape

Tries

Chris McQueen (3 tries)

Goals

Olly Russell (17 goals)

Metres

Esan Marsters (878 metres)

Tackles

Nathan Peats (285 tackles)

Tackle Busts

Will Pryce (29 tackle busts)

Team Stats

17 tries
8,701 metres made
51 offloads
202 tackle busts
1,936 tackles
53 errors

BUY TICKETS

This year, Rivals Round will run across the Easter Weekend with the Rhinos welcoming Ian Watson’s Huddersfield Giants to Headingley on Easter Sunday, 9th April, in front of the live Sky Sports cameras, kick off 6pm

Busted frontman and recent winner of the Masked Singer, Charlie Simpson joins the line up for Leeds Rhinos Easter Sunday Double Header at Headingley, gates open at 1 pm with all junior tickets priced at just £5. The double header also sees a rematch of last year’s Women’s Betfred Super League Grand Final as the Rhinos Women kick start their season against York Valkyrie.

Tickets are on sale now with junior tickets just £5 and adults starting from £24 and concessions starting from £16*. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 0371 423 1315.

Demand is expected to be high, so fans are urged to purchase early to avoid disappointment.

*Seniors 65 and over, Students & U21s. ID Required