Fresh off the back of a win in the Betfred Challenge Cup, Huddersfield Giants arrived at AMT Headingley to take on the Rhinos as both sides sit on the same number of points in the Betfred Super League table, kick off 8pm. 

As matchday approaches, find out more about Ian Watson's Giants side here:

Overview

Name: Huddersfield Giants

Founded: 1864

Seasons in Super League: 25 

Head Coach: Ian Watson

Club Captain: Luke Yates

Last three season finishes: 2023 = 9th, 2022 = 3rd, 2021 = 9th

Best SL finish: 2013 (League Leaders' Shield Winner)

Grand Final appearances: None

So far in 2024...

In reaction to a poor 2023, Ian Watson and Huddersfield Giants have made sure they got 2024 off to a different start as they make the short trip to AMT Headingley as one of the competition's in-form sides.

Hoping to bounce back from an inconsistent third season at the helm in which the club finished ninth, Watson's recruitment has proved to be a masterstroke. Adam Swift has picked up his try-scoring form to sit as the top scorer in the league, whilst Adam Clune has become a key pivot alongside Tui Lolohea since the former Newcastle Knights man arrived over the winter. Thomas Deakin, Jack Murchie and Hugo Salabio have given the forward pack more options too.

The season opener saw the Giants battle a hard-fought 16-8 win out against Leigh on the road, but defeats to St Helens and Wigan saw them quickly move down the league table. Nine tries against Castleford provided much-needed points, but Hull KR proved too good in round five to keep Huddersfield eighth.

Nevertheless, the end of March marked a pivotal point in the season so far as victory over Hull FC in the Cup steered the Giants on the right path. They followed the result up with wins over London and the black and whites again, before shocking the Dragons 34-6 in Perpignan last week.

This week sees them take on a Rhinos side, who've had a week extra to build for the game, before taking on St Helens on the road. Then it is back to the John Smith's Stadium for four consecutive home fixtures.

Squad

One to Watch

Adam Swift

Arriving at Huddersfield after a disappointing spell at Hull FC, Adam Swift has hit try-scoring form that has seen the winger touch down 13 times in seven games. Four of those came in the Challenge Cup win over his former club, before he returned to score a hat trick in the league at the MKM Stadium, and he hopes to continue his streak this Friday against the Rhinos.

Adam Clune

The departure of Theo Fages left a hole in the Giants spine partnership, but the club moved quickly to fill it in the shape of Adam Clune. From St George to Newcastle, he has 47 NRL appearances under his belt since 2020 after breaking into the Dragons squad during Covid. Last season, he played four times for the Knights and also featured alongside Rhinos full back Lachie Miller in eight games for the Knights Reserves and in a 32-12 win in round 27. So far as a Giant, he has two tries in wins over Castleford and London, as well as three assists in partnership with Tui Lolohea and Jake Connor.

Esan Marsters

In his second season under Watson, Cook Islands international Esan Marsters has kick started his season by topping most of the Giants' attacking metrics. No player has made more carries (124) and metres (1423) than the centre, who has also touched down three times in seven rounds. 

Fixtures

Round Eight - Vs Leeds Rhinos (AMT Headingley, KO 8pm)

Round Nine- Vs St Helens (Totally Wicked Stadium, KO 8pm)

Round Ten - Vs Salford Red Devils (John Smith's Stadium, KO 8pm)

Round Eleven - Vs Wigan Warriors (John Smith's Stadium, KO 3pm)

Round Twelve - Vs Leigh Leopards (John Smith's Stadium, KO 8pm)

Stats Performers

Tries: Adam Swift (8 tries)

Goals: Olly Russell (11 goals)

Carries: Esan Marsters (124 carries)

Metres: Esan Marsters (1099 metres)

Tackles: Leroy Cudjoe (257 tackles)

Dummy Half Runs: Ashton Golding (17 runs) 

Last Super League match

Be at Friday's double header!

Ticket prices for Friday's double header between Leeds Rhinos men and women versus Huddersfield Giants start at £25 for adults, £20 for concessions and £13 for juniors, with prices rising by £3 on matchdays. Please note that fans cannot buy tickets for the Women's game only.

To buy tickets go to tickets.therhinos.co.uk or call the ticket office on 0371 423 1315. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm (excluding Bank Holidays). Tickets also available to purchase from Leeds Rhinos Club Shop at AMT Headingley Stadium (CLICK HERE to check opening hours before travelling).