There was plenty of talk in pre-season, there always is, but following their emphatic 42-14 away victory against Toulouse Olympique, are the Huddersfield Giants the ones to watch this season?
Okay, it’s very early days and many tipped Toulouse to be the ‘cannon fodder’ this season, being newly promoted and all with their potential plight compounded by their off-field struggles.
However, the Giants produced some very exciting rugby league football tonight, with young half-back Olly Russell being a stand out performer.
His seven goals helped the Giants to a comfortable win, being the architect in more than one try.
Perhaps a player who has gone under the radar, with the focus being on new signings Tui Lolohea and Theo Fages plus rising star Will Pryce, son of former Great Britain and England international Leon Pryce.
They also had others missing too, with Jermaine McGillvary and Ricky Leutele still unavailable but the Giants adapted well, overcoming a 10-0 deficit for good measure.
Luke Yates scored the opening try after burrowing over from close range before efforts from twin brothers Louis and Innes Senior helped them secure a 16-10 half-time lead and they never looked back.
Jake Wardle opened things up just after the break with two tries before veteran Chris McQueen eased over.
Substitute Olly Ashall-Bott scored late on before a consolation try from Guy Armitage for the hosts ended things.
A long way to go but based on this performance, Huddersfield should trouble many teams throughout 2022, especially if they can retain their key players.
Maybe we will see the Giants in the play-offs this year fulfilling the untapped potential of 2021.
