15 REASONS TO BE EXCITED FOR 2020

With 15 days left until the Seat Renewal deadline, here are 15 reasons to be excited for 2020

1. Magic Weekend returning to St James Park

After a brief foray to the home of the European Champions, Magic Weekend returns to Newcastle in 2020 and the city is excited. The Cowbell Army should be excited too, as the Giants were unbeaten on the Tyne, winning 3 games and drawing 1 in the four editions of the event in the North East. 

2. The Enforcer... enforcing

“The main question that our supporters have been asking when contacting the club is have we a big forward lined up for next year and it’s great that we are now able to answer that with a current Samoan International player."

Those were the words of the Managing Director, Richard Thewlis when announcing James 'The Enforcer' Gavet yesterday. At 6 foot, 2 inches, Gavet offers something in size and in aggression a little lacking in 2019 - and he's coming to show Super League what he's made of, saying "There's big pommies frothing at the mouth to get a piece of you - I want to get a piece of them too", Super League... Be afraid. 

3. The King's Landing at Huddersfield

Another man who'll ramp up the aggression in the forward pack is 'King' Kenny Edwards, with the back rower confirmed as signing for Huddersfield in 2020. The former Catalans forward has been on the radar of Head Coach Simon Woolford for some time, and will both rejuvenate the back-row, offer excellent line running and add a bit of beef into the pack. 

4. A man with a point to prove

Ashton Golding is a man with a point to prove and is looking for an opportunity after a stellar season at Featherstone Rovers. He's skilled on both sides of the ball but excels in on the defensive side. 

5. Honest, Respect and Hard Work

Not the most high-profile signing this off-season, but the promotion of Andy Kelly to Rugby Manager is a big talking point in Rugby Circles. His work as Head of Youth created the environment for the young Giants such as Matty English, Darnell McIntosh, the Senior twins and Jake Wardle to thrive through instilling and enforcing strong values into the club. Now he's set to do the same with the first team. 

6. The Ollie Richardson Effect

Arriving mid-way through the season last year, former Kubota Spears and Leicester Tigers man Ollie Richardson's real influence would come with a full pre-season to work with. Early feedback has been good - the players are working smarter than ever before and Richardson is emphasising high standards in training and in attitude. 

7. The Wolfpack are coming

Castleford, check. Wigan, check. Toronto, check. 

Yes, that's right - the Wolfpack ARE coming 2020. Three years after their inception and after two promotions, two titles and just one loss last season, the men from the Canada's Biggest City will make their way to the John Smith's Stadium and the Cowbell Army will face off against the Wolfpack Pack next year. They'll be one of the major stories of the year and they aren't just here to make up the numbers. 

8. The Polar Bears

After impressing in 2019, the Polar Bears will continue their development in 2020. Matty English impressed with his desire and commitment while mid-season acquisition Oliver Wilson became a fan favourite, especially after an exceptional performance in the win against Grand Finalists, Salford Red Devils.  

9. More Baby Giants

The positive noises from the Giants last year focused on the development of the young players in 2019, and we're looking forward to seeing how Darnell McIntosh, Jake Wardle, the Polar Bears and the Senior twins especially develop again in 2020. Shout out to Dominic Young as well, the sounds coming out of the Giants camp seem to have a lot of faith in the big winger.

10. Tongan Terminator vs Samoan Enforcer

When we signed James 'The Enforcer' Gavet this week, fans from the Cowbell Army and from the Airlie Birds began to look forward to one battle - the Tongan Terminator, Manu Ma'u against the Enforcer. It's gonna be a titanic battle in Super League next year between those two. 

11. More Aggression in the Pack

Most Giants fans would agree that our pack was a little too nice in 2019. Well those days are over. With the signing of James Gavet and Kenny Edwards, we have two forwards known for their aggressive style and in-your-face running. 

12. The Twins' Senior Year

The most frustrating thing about the end of the season was seeing a performance like Louis Senior's on the final day of the year - and then having to wait until February to see him again. Innes and Louis Senior came of age in 2019, stepping up to fill the gaps and making eye-catching strides in Super League. We can't wait to see what they'll have to offer in 2020. 

13. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

Giants fans love Joe Wardle. It's a fact. They're also SUPER excited about Jake Wardle, and they're right to be excited. He brought a new level of consistency last year and became the player that people have been talking about for some time. Both of them show the right attitude on the field and both have been an example to others in 2019. We can't wait to see them again. 

14. Return of the Reserves

People have been crying out for a long time for the return of the reserves and the RFL have listened, bringing it back in 2020 and offering us a better way to track the progress of the players hovering around the first team. It's an exciting development - and it's good for Rugby League in the long run. 

15. Season Cards from £80 for Under 30s and £149 for Over 30s

I mean, at just £10.64 a game for Over 30s, and £5.71 was Under 30s - why wouldn't you be excited?