Last night, Huddersfield kick-started their season with a 40-26 win over Hull FC. The Giants went into the game on the back of some poor form and amidst a devastating injury crisis yet were able to produce the goods in front of their fans. That was my view anyway but how did social media see it?
Unsurprisingly, starlet Will Pryce again caught the eye with his dad watching in the Sky studio. Plenty are excited by the youngster’s promise but also found the dynamic between father and son quite amusing last night.
That was a fantastic performance, Will Pryce’s try was outstanding.
Well done the whole team an enjoyable evening. https://t.co/CdLhL0BS6T
— Adam David Johnson (@AdamJohnson51) July 22, 2021
The composure of the lad Will Pryce was incredible tonight! If only he had somebody in the family who played at a decent level for advice!! @leonpryce6 #bigwraps! 👍👍
— Dave ralph🙃 (@RalphDaveralph) July 22, 2021
Brian Carney ribbing you when reading the teams out, Will Pryce Nephew of former Super League player Karl 😂
— michael aherne (@michaelaherne1) July 23, 2021
Will pryce what a young amazing talent great to see him on the score sheet @leonpryce6 proud dad moment
— jamie🍀🇮🇪 (@kingofthelepric) July 22, 2021
On top of his on-field brilliance, many viewers were impressed by his maturity applauding his post-match interview.
Best part of the show , that Will Pryce interview 🏉
Had a great game and even better interview, what a down to earth kid 👏— Mark Cass (@markcass13) July 22, 2021
The consensus from Super League supporters is that if he could be just as good as his dad in the years to come.
A tough gig for FC tonight off the back of the last few weeks but there's plenty to work on too. Not the smartest of displays whatsoever.
On a separate note, if Will Pryce becomes half as good as @leonpryce6 he's still going to be one hell of a player.#SLHudHul
— Callum Thompson (@c_thommo) July 22, 2021
Another of the headlines coming out of the game was Jermaine McGillvary’s four try haul. Yet in his post-match interview he was quick to side-step any praise claiming that his tries were down to the brilliance of his teammates. Plenty were impressed by his humility at the end of the game.
Big up to that man, great post-match interview; “I didn’t deserve MOM even though I scored 4 tries”. Focus and praise given to the team effort and the forwards laying the platform for him to finish, brilliant! Enjoyed that game. pic.twitter.com/bTu2LpdQrV
— Andy Grundy (@AndyGrundy10) July 22, 2021
It was a remarkable performance from McGillvary who has had a remarkable career. A modern Giants legend for sure and the same could be said of Leroy Cudjoe. It was a landmark appearance for the outside back last night and he celebrated it with a try of his own.
Leroy Cudjoe, what a legend. 300 apps and still going strong. 💪🏻
— Matt Shaw (@TTCMatt) July 22, 2021
At the other end of the age spectrum, Oliver Russell was key for the Giants on a night where all the focus settled on his halfback partner Pryce. He quite rightly received plenty of praise himself however with some believing Russell and Pryce could become the next great Super League halfback pairing.
Oliver Russell probably had the better game I'd say but they look like a good partnership. Russell the organiser and Pryce has the running game.
— Bradley Asquith (@BradAsquith7) July 22, 2021
On the other side of things, it’s safe to say Hull FC fans weren’t pleased with the showing. They felt like they should’ve produced a better display even without their key players against the side sitting second bottom.
Big opportunity tonight for some of the fringe players against arguably one of the most out of form teams in the comp… miles off it sadly.
— Jack Sutton (@jack_sutton9) July 22, 2021
Meanwhile, others felt their defence was simply unacceptable. They saw it as a problem that needs fixing as soon as possible.
https://twitter.com/elgilliano/status/1418310394368638988?s=20