Takeaways: Huddersfield 12-10 Salford

Talking points from our second Super League win of the season on Friday Night

Huddersfield Giants made it two from two to start their 2020 Super League campaign with a tough, hard-fought 12-10 win at the home of the 2019 Super League Grand Finalists, Salford Red Devils. Tries from Adam O'Brien and Louis Senior, with Aidan Sezer contributing four points from the boot, secured the win that put the Giants 3rd in the Super League table after the game-week. Here are the main talking points; 

Best start since 2013

The Giants end Week 3 with a 2-0 record and in 3rd position, with a game in hand on the five team cluster on 4 points. Now, while it is still early, the Giants have not been this high up in the Super League table since February 24th 2017. It is also the first season they have opened the year with back to back wins since the League Leaders Shield winning season of 2013. 

Now Cowbell Army, don't get too excited, but Huddersfield are also the only unbeaten team left in Super League and have a chance to continue that run and go 3-0 when they take on Hull KR, this Friday. 

Sezer with a pinpoint assist, try-saver and a Man of the Match performance 🤩@Giantsrl #WePlayLeague #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/gbxVLgp4ol

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 17, 2020

Giants make big plays in defence

During the 2020 pre-season, in the Huddersfield camp, they sought to set the bar high - to be the best defensive side in Super League. So far, after two games, they have conceded 11 PPG (2nd in Super League) and a total of 22 points (1st in Super League). In tough and testing match-ups against Catalans and Salford, both known for a big pack, they have yet to concede a try in midfield in 2020. 

New faces make big plays

In a tight game decided by just 2 points, our new recruits for 2020 made a big impact on the points coming home to West Yorkshire. Aidan Sezer made a try saving tackle to keep the Salford lead to four and provided a moreish assist for Louis Senior's equalising try while Sam Wood, a less heralded returner from a loan spell in the Championship in 2019, made a try saving touch to keep Ken Sio at bay. 

James Gavet, however, should take great credit for his performance, getting the smallest of fingertips on Tui Lolohea's attempted drop goal 8 minutes from time, sprinting from the goal-line to put incredible pressure on the Tongan half-back. He later won the penalty under the posts that secured the two points for the Giants.