18 Apr 2019

THE LOWDOWN: GIANTS VS LEEDS

All you need to know ahead of the West Yorkshire Derby against Leeds Rhinos this Good Friday

The Brief:

Huddersfield Giants are aiming to get back to back-to-back wins after last week’s victory over Castleford, however Leeds will be hoping to secure two points after losing their last five Super league games.

Both teams go to battle on Friday 19th April 3 pm KO at Headingley Stadium, in this huge clash on Good Friday

Team News:

Paul Clough is named in Simon Woolford's 19-man selection for the first time in 2019, meanwhile Trent Merrin is still on compassionate leave for the Rhinos.

Leeds: Briscoe, Watkins, Hurrell, Handley, Lolohea, Myler, Parcell, Signleton, Dwyer, Sutcliffe, Ferres, Peteru, Oldzki, Jones-Buchanan, McLelland, Donaldson, Newman, Trout, Albert

Huddersfield:  McIntosh, McGillvary, Turner, Uate, Gaskell, Frawley, Clough, Leeming, Matagi, Murphy, Lawrence, O'Brien, Ta'ai, English, Jake Wardle, Russell, Ikahihifo, Hewitt, Senior, Joe Wardle

The Opposition:

In 2018, the Rhinos finished 9th in Super League and finished 2nd place in The Qualifers which saved them from relegation.

They offloaded Joel Moon, Ryan Hall, Jimmy Keinhorst, Jordan Thompson and Mitch Garbutt in the offseason. But signed Tuimoala Lolohea, Konrad Hurrell and Trent Merrin from West Tigers, Gold Coast Titans and Penrith Panthers respectively. They also signed Dom Crosby and James Donaldson for the 2019 season. They also recently recruited Ava Seumanufagai from Cronulla Sharks.

Form:

Huddersfield have won three out of their last four, last week they recorded a narrow 20-18 victory over Castleford Tigers, thanks to a hattrick from Alex Mellor, two conversions and two penalties from McIntosh.

Leeds have lost their five league games but comfortably beat Workington 78-6 in the Challenge Cup last week

Key Players:

Konrad Hurrell

Despite Leeds position in the league, Konrad Hurrell has been one of the best Super League players this year. Their marquee signing from Gold Coast Titans has been one of the most fearsome ball runners in the league and the Giants must stop him in his tracks on Friday. He has scored nine tries only 2 behind the leader. He leads the way in most metres made having made an impressive 1498 metres in 161 carries. He has also made 13 clean breaks, two off 1st place and has 71 tackle busts which is five off 1st place.

Key Battles:

Jack Walker vs Darnell McIntosh

Two young full-backs go head-to-head on Good Friday, Walker has scored three tries this year and has made 1119 metres in 133 carries with six clean breaks and 59 tackle busts. McIntosh has scored four tries this year and has made 1059 metres in 141 carries with six clean breaks and 38 tackle busts. The 22-year old who was out of contract this year and has made an impressive start to the season had drawn several admirers, but recently committed his future to his hometown club until the end of 2021 and will be hoping his repay the Giants with another excellent performance. But which #1 will come out on top when the two teams lock horns.?

Matt Parcell Vs Kruise Leeming

Alongside Mellor, Kruise Leeming had great game against Castleford, he made 99 metres, 33 tackles and made 17 dummy runs and will want to inspire his team once again Friday. However, Parcell will want to outplay and outscore his rival. He has made 340 metres in 36 carries and has 24 runs from dummy half and the Giants will have to watch out for those on Good Friday.

Previous Meeting:

Huddersfield narrowly beat Leeds in the previous meeting 18-25 in June 2018. Tries from Leeming, Murphy, Mellor and O’Brien secured the two points against rivals Leeds as the Giants bounced back from exiting the Challenge Cup the week before.

Tickets

You can be the 18th man and help the Giants clinch their second home win of the season. You can get your tickets in numerous ways. You visit the Giants Club Store in person, call 01484 484159 or book online with coach travel available here 

 

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