Bradford Bulls vs Huddersfield Giants: Kick-off time and team news as Ian Watson gives out debuts

On the eve of what many people think will be a very successful season for Huddersfield Giants, Ian Watson’s side are in action for the first time in 2023 with some new faces set to star.

The Giants take on in many ways the equivalent side of the Championship in the Bradford Bulls who after the recruitment they’ve done could push for promotion in 2023 as the Giants push for trophies.

Thus, it should be a great occasion.

Kick-off time

The game kicks off at 14:00 at Dewsbury Rams’ FLAIR stadium with the weather making it so Odsal cannot be used.

Team News

Bradford Bulls’ newly acquired leader of the pack and former Giants’ legend, Michael Lawrence, is set to miss out.

Lawrence had an incredible career at the John Smith’s stadium but aged 34 opted to step down into the Championship and try help guide a blossoming Bradford squad to return to the Super League.

Not playing in last week’s opening friendly Lawrence was slated to return to this one but clearly hasn’t made it for the game at Odsal on Sunday.

That said Bradford head coach mark Dunning has named a very strong squad that features plenty of experience and talent.

👥 | Head coach Mark Dunning has named a 21-man squad for this Sunday's pre-season clash with @Giantsrl!

🎟️ | https://t.co/9TFmzr3Y7r

— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) January 20, 2023

The club announced their squad via Twitter and their website and new signings such as Tom Holmes, Ben Blackmore, Max Clarke and Joe Arundel are all set to feature.

There’s also plenty of men who have joined from the Giants that will feature including Chester Butler and Fenton Rodgers whilst star signing Jack Walker features again.

Young George Flanagan Jr also plays, having signed for Huddersfield before being loaned back to the Bulls for the 2023 season.

As for Huddersfield, Ian Watson has named a strong squad featuring plenty of new signings but their star signing, Jake Connor is absent.

Adding Connor to the squad that competed well above their recent history had suggested in 2022 was something that was seen to possibly propel the Giants to silverware.

During the lasts season they placed third and were runners up in a tight Challenge Cup final but trophies eluded them, hence a major recruitment drive.

Many of those new signings will feature in their first pre-season game against Bradford Bulls, on Sunday, but the man from Hull FC isn’t one of them.

The squad features the likes of Esan Marsters, Jack Bibby and Jake Bibby, all of whom have joined up to play their rugby at the John Smith’s stadium this season.

📝 Ian Watson has named his 24-Man Squad for Sunday's Friendly vs @officialbullsrl.

👉 https://t.co/yTQW0PO3Jg | @firstwestyorks 🤝 pic.twitter.com/XywABzdIUA

— Huddersfield Giants 🐮🔔 (@Giantsrl) January 20, 2023