Giants victorious on magical day!

Huddersfield Giants (24) 30

Tries: King, Trout, McQueen, McGillvary(2)

Goals: Russell (5)

Salford Red Devils (6) 18

Tries: Cross, Croft, Luckley

Goals: Sneyd (3)

Huddersfield Giants: Lolohea, McGillvary, Cudjoe, King, I. Senior; Russell, Fages; Greenwood, Levi, Trout; McQueen, Hewitt, Yates

Interchange: Ashworth, Mason, Golding, Englsih

Salford: Brierley, Sio, Cross, Lafai, Williams, Croft, Sneyd, Ormondroyd, Ackers, Akauola, Livett, Watkins, Gerrard

Interchange: Atkin, Taylor, Luckley, Dupree

Magic Weekend lived up to its name for the Huddersfield Giants as just before the Giants would go out to win 30-18 over the Salford Red Devils it was announced that head coach Ian Watson had signed a new deal with the Giants until the end of 2026.

With the good news coming in before the Giants had even kicked off the Giants went into the match full of confidence on a sweltering day at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

The Giants had the lead after only five minutes of the first half. On the final takle of a set Oliver Russell put up a high kick to the Salford right and just as soon as it looked like it was going to hit the floor, in came Toby King like a rocket, without breaking stride and he ran through for his first try in a Giants shirt! Russell converted his first kick. 6-0

Seven minutes later things got even better, this time it was Owen Trout who collected the ball only five yards out and he crashed over the line for the Giants 2^nd of a the match. Russell had an easy kick and the Giants were 12-0 up after 12 minutes.

The Giants found themselves under the cosh for 10 minutes having to put in the hard yards to stop Salford from scoring. This effort was eventually rewarded when Chris McQueen decided to get in on the action, he latched onto the end of a low Russell kick, played some football himself and took the ball over in the right-hand corner. Russell couldn’t be stopped with another great kick. Russell was 3/3 and the Giants were 18-0 up.

With six minutes to go Salford went in for their first try of the game, but the Giants answered back quickly. With a scrum about 10m out the Giants quickly shifted out to the right and Jerry had no trouble getting involved in the action. Another great Russell kick later and the Giants lead 24-6 at HT.

The Giants found themselves on the back foot in the 2^nd half with Salford getting across the try line twice in the first 12 minutes bringing the game back to 24-18.

However unwilling to become the latest victim of the 2^nd half magic curse the Giants found the front foot again. After finally getting some luck in the half the Giants found themselves up field, they quickly shifted the ball out to the right and Jerry was able to walk the ball in. Russell was still on fire and the Giants were 30 – 18 to the good.

In the final moments some Theo magic looked to have put the Giants even further in front but after a long video ref decision the Giants were denied.

So, the game ended 30-18 to the Giants and with the two points heading home to Huddersfield! 

Cameron Deacon