5 Apr 2023

Flashback: Huddersfield Giants

Take a look back at some of the history between Leeds and Huddersfield ahead of Sunday's game.

Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants conclude this year's Rivals Round of the Betfred Super League on Easter Sunday at Headingley, kick off 6pm.

In the build-up to the game, take a look back at some classic past Super League encounters and notable names that have played for both clubs:

Previous matches

Over the course of the Super League era, Leeds and Huddersfield have met 54 times since the Giants entered the league in 1998. Out of those, Leeds have won 36 clashes, including 18 on home soil.

The Giants only have six league wins at Headingley, four of which came consecutively between 2010 and 2014. There has only ever been one draw between the two clubs too at Headingley, which came in last year's 20-20 result in April.

Here is a look at three classics from down the years...

The classic

A historic day in 1999 saw Iestyn Harris set the Leeds and Super League record for the most points scored by a single player in a Rugby League match.

The half back recorded 42 points (4 tries and 13 conversions) in a stand out performance, plus Paul Sterling also ran in a hat trick as Graham Murray's side closed in on the Play-Offs with an 86-6 triumph.

The nail-biting finish

2009's Super League meeting between the two sides needed a last gasp try from Kallum Watkins to seal the win for the home side.

Heading into the final minutes with a slender two point lead, the Rhinos turned to their young centre who scored a length-of-the-field effort to move Brian McClennan's side back up to second in the league table.

The last meeting

Leeds left it late in their most recent clash with the Giants at Headingley; Blake Austin scoring the late try to keep the Rhinos' winning run alive.

Although they broke the deadlock early through Rhyse Martin, the home side fell 14-12 behind going into the closing moments before Austin struck with the clock winding down.

Connections

During the Super League era, there are plenty of players and coaches that have been part of both Leeds and Huddersfield teams down the years. Here are just a few that you might remember...

Shaun Lunt - Hooker Lunt joined the Rhinos from Huddersfield on loan in 2012 and in the space of a season, he appeared in both major domestic finals for the Rhinos. That included the Grand Final, which he lifted against Warrington. Returning to the Giants, he helped the club win the League Leaders' Shield the next year and helped the team reach the Play-Offs in both the 2013, 2014 and 2015 seasons. He played for Leeds one last time during a short spell in 2019, Lunt playing six players.

Owen Trout - Having come through the Academy ranks at the Rhinos, forward Owen Trout played two senior games for Leeds before moving to Huddersfield in 2020. He was part of Ian Watson's Challenge Cup Final squad last year and so far in 2023, he has scored two tries in four appearances.

Anthony Mullally - After two years and almost 40 appearances for Huddersfield in the early 2010s, prop Anthony Mullally bolstered Leeds' ranks in 2016. Featuring in both a Grand Final and World Club Challenge under Brian McDermott, Mullally lifted the Super League trophy in 2017 and went on to make 70 appearances in blue and amber.

Leroy Rivett - Winger Leroy Rivett has a place in club history for his four tries in the 1999 Challenge Cup Final. He was part of the club's inaugural Super League squad in 1996 but it is his time under Graham Murray that Leeds fans remember him best for; the winger scoring 24 tries over a two year spell. He played a sole season at Huddersfield in 2000.

Get your tickets now!

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