14 Apr 2023

Match Preview | Double Header

With the John Smith's Stadium playing host to the Giants Women's as they take on Leeds Rhinos, before the Men's take on Catalans Dragons, let's take a look at all four teams.

Huddersfield Giants Women's

Huddersfield Giants Women's will be looking to improve on their 2022 season, with a number of young and talented players who have joined Lori Halloran's Squad.

Players to watch:

Bella Sykes – Hooker – Age 18
Erin Stott – Centre - Age 20
Lois Naidole – Second Row Age 18

All players have come through the Giants Evolution Pathway programme. (ETP)

Amelia Brown – Winger – Age 18
Bethan Oates – Stand Off – Captain - Age 27

Bella Sykes had her breakthrough year in 2022, impressing in the Betfred Super League at the age of 17 and now looks to build on a great season where she was also included with the England Students setup.

Amelia Brown was also included in the setup, the winger who scored a number of tries last season, will be looking to add to her tally and cross the line this season, she also scored vs Leeds Rhinos in 2022 at the John Smith's Stadium, lets see if she can do it again tomorrow.

Last outing at the JSS 12^th March 2022 (Challenge Cup) – Giants 8 – 32 Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos Women, after being defeated by York Valkrye at the weekend, in their opening game of the 2023 Betfred Super League Season will be looking to claim their first victory of the season. They take on the Huddersfield Giants Women's team at the John Smith's Stadium, in the first of two games on Friday evening.

Tickets are just £15 for the Core Stand Lower North before 12pm and can be purchased by clicking HERE.

Lois Forsell's Rhinos have one of the most formidable squads in the Betfred Women's Super League, with numerous England Internationals such as Georgia Roche, Caitlin Beevers and new signing Amy Hardcastle, who joined from St Helens in the off-season.

Hardcastle is no stranger to Grand Finals, and will be looking to lead the Rhinos there yet again in 2023, bringing her considerable experience and quality to an already stacked Rhinos team.

Giants Squad News

Ian Watson's men will be looking to return to winning ways, after falling by one point to Leeds Rhinos on Sunday 18-17 in what was a close encounter.

The Giants had no reported injuries after the game, with only Nathan Peats leaving the field with a cut, but is included in the 21-Man Squad again this weekend.

Head Coach Watson could look to freshen up his side for the visit of high flying Catalans Dragons, as we look to take two points from one of our top 6 rivals.

Adam O'Brien impressed when he came onto the field for the final ten minutes at Headingley, and will be looking to continue his stint in the line-up after his first appearance of the season.

Theo Fages and Joe Greenwood remain sidelined for the Giants with long term injuries, with Olly Russell and Ash Golding now joining them.

Josh Jones is continuing his return to play protocol after his concussion vs Wigan Warriors, while Oliver Wilson is edging closer to a return to the squad after a back issue has kept him sidelined.

The Opposition Team

Catalans Dragons have once again started the Super League season in strong fashion, winning six games and only losing two out of their first eight.

They picked up an impressive two points at the DW Stadium as they defeated Wigan Warriors, but fell to League Leaders Warrington Wolves last weekend, 14-20 in a dramatic game at the Stade Gilbert Brutus on Saturday evening.

Catalans Dragons: Tries: Mike McMeeken (26), Adam Keighran (28), Arthur Romano (59) Conversions: Keighran (29)

Warrington Wolves: Tries: Josh Thewlis (7, 73), Matt Dufty (31), George Williams (45) Conversions: Stefan Ratchford (46) Thewlis (74)

The Dragons are coached by Steve McNamara and since joining the club has led them to a Grand Final, which they narrowly lost to St Helens and guided them to consecutive top 6 finishes.

Previous Results.

Catalans Dragons 14-20 Warrington Wolves

Catalans Dragons 22-18 Castleford Tigers

Leeds Rhinos 32-22 Catalans Dragons

Catalans Dragons 26-12 Hull KR

Wigan Warriors 10-18 Catalans Dragons

Key Men

Catalans during the off-season brought in seasoned Super League quality, none other than prolific try-scoring winger Tom Johnstone, who has picked up where he left off at Wakefield, crossing the line an impressive nine times this season in just eight games.

They also have one of the games' hottest talents in Arthur Morgue, who is comfortable in the halves, and also at full-back. The French international known for his pace and stepping ability when testing the opposition defence.

Sam Tomkins has also been included in Catalans Dragons 21-Man Squad and could look to make his return from injury for Steve McNamara's side on Friday evening after a spell on the sidelines due to injury.

The former Wigan full-back is hanging up the boots at the end of the season after a glittering career which has seen him win three Grand Final titles and two Challenge Cups.

Last Season

In 2022, we defeated Catalans Dragons 28-12 at the John Smith's Stadium, with Owen Trout, Theo Fages, Danny Levi and Josh Jones all scoring in a comprehensive victory for Ian Watson's men.

Tries: Trout (15), Levi (35), Fages (47), Jones (69)

Conversions: Russell (16), Lolohea (36,45,48,70,80)

The Full-Game from this clash is now free to watch on YouTube, by clicking HERE to get you in the mood for Friday evening's Double Header.

Match Information

Venue - John Smith's Stadium, Stadium Way, Huddersfield, HD6 1PG

Date - 14/4/23

Kick Off Giants Women vs Rhinos Women 5:15pm | Giants vs Catalans Dragons - 7:45pm

Season Cards VALID, Parking Passes VALID.

Tickets

Adults - £15 (Core Stand Lower North)

Over 65's - £16

U17's - £6