Round 19 sees Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos meet at the John Smith's Stadium in what has become a well-contested fixture in recent years, kick off 8pm. 

Luke Robinson takes charge of Huddersfield for the second time in his coaching career and aims to build on last week's win over Salford when they clash with Brad Arthur's Rhinos on Thursday.

As matchday approaches, find out more about the Giants here:

Overview

Name: Huddersfield Giants

Founded: 1864

Seasons in Super League: 25 

Interim Head Coach: Luke Robinson

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...

Three weeks after the departure of head coach Ian Watson, Huddersfield Giants begin to look towards 2025 unless an unprecedented run of wins can propel them towards the top six.

Watson's four-year reign was brought to an end a fortnight ago after suffering a third straight defeat in a 48-0 result against Warrington. It's a contrast looking back to the start of the year when the side won seven of their opening ten games in all competitions, including a 30-24 result against Leeds at AMT Headingley. Off-season recruits such as Adam Clune had settled in alongside established names like Tui Lolohea and Luke Yates, plus winger Adam Swift had proved a key capture as he returned 17 tries in all competitions.

From that point though, the side began a run of four league losses to St Helens, Salford, Wigan and Leigh, as well as a Cup semi final defeat to Warrington. A 24-18 win over Hull FC kept the side eighth, before another string of defeats saw Hull KR, Catalans, Warrington and Leigh all beat the Giants on the road to put them out of the Play Off picture for the end of the season.

After a winning result against Salford last time out, the Giants come into their game against the Rhinos having won the last three times they've hosted Leeds at the John Smith's Stadium.

Looking down their remaining fixture list, Huddersfield have a variety of opposition, beginning with top six sides Wigan and Catalans before they play Castleford twice at Magic Weekend and round 27. Round 23 sees the claret and golds play Salford for a third time in 2024, and then a string of home games against St Helens, London Warrington and the Tigers completed their 2024.

Squad

One to Watch

Adam Clune

Brought in to replace Theo Fages, former Newcastle Knights half back Adam Clune has been ever-present for the Giants in a rollercoaster season.

In his first season since moving from the NRL, Clune has slotted in alongside former Rhino Tui Lolohea and has matched the Tongan in total try involvements, most of which have been assists. His try at AMT Headingley to close out a 30-24 win is his latest try to date, after touching down against Castleford and London Broncos, and last time out against Salford, he was one of the side's highest ball carries and metre makers.

Fixtures

Round 19 - Vs Leeds Rhinos (John Smith's Stadium, KO 8pm)

Round 20 - Vs Wigan Warriors (The Brick Community Stadium, KO 8pm)

Round 21 - Vs Catalans Dragons (John Smith's Stadium, KO 8pm)

Round 22 - Vs Castleford Tigers (Elland Road, KO 6.30pm)

Round 23 - Vs Salford Red Devils (Salford Stadium, KO 2pm)

Stats Performers

Tries: Adam Swift (11 tries)

Goals: Jake Connor (23 goals)

Carries: Adam Clune (254 carries)

Metres: Esan Marsters (2871 metres)

Tackles: Leroy Cudjoe (448 tackles)

Last Super League match

Support the Rhinos at the John Smith's Stadium

Tickets for our away Betfred Super League game against Huddersfield Giants are available now to purchase online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk, over the phone on 0371 423 1315 and from Leeds Rhinos Club Shop (Opening Hours).

For more information, click here.