Huddersfield Giants took on Hull KR in the Challenge Cup semi-final at Elland Road this evening.
Two early tries from Huddersfield handed the Giants the ascendancy heading into half-time as Josh Jones and Innes Senior dotted down without reply from Hull KR.
Those tries were followed by a remarkable effort from Jermaine McGillvary as he wound back the years with Owen Trout barging over shortly after.
Theo Fages slotted over a drop goal to ensure KR had to score five tries to make it 25-0.
But, Shaun Kenny-Dowall finally broke the Huddersfield defence with four minutes to go to send home the Rovers fans at least seeing a try.
Highlights
Innes Senior sprinting 80 metres after being sent through by Ricky Leutele was like poetry in motion.
Jermaine McGillvary wound back the years with a tremendous break and finish for Huddersfield’s third of the afternoon.
Talking points
1. Huddersfield’s time to shine
What a performance from Huddersfield! Little could be done to stop a Giants train from driving its way through the heart of East Yorkshire with the next and last stop Tottenham. Huddersfield thoroughly deserve their moment in the sun as Ian Watson had his men firing on every cylinder.
2. Hull KR poor
If this was Tony Smith’s last hurrah in a big game then what a damp squib it turned out to be for Hull KR. They were dreadful in attack and looked beaten in defence too often as their woe was epitomised with a number of Rovers fans making their exit 15 minutes before the end.
3. Fages the best signing of 2021?
Theo Fages was underrated at St Helens, but he is showing just how important he is for this Huddersfield outfit with a masterful performance. Alongside Oliver Russell, the duo have made their partnership one of the most formidable in the division.
Player ratings
Huddersfield Giants
6 Tui Lolohea – 9
2 Jermaine McGillvary – 10
21 Leroy Cudjoe – 9
4 Ricky Leutele – 9
25 Innes Senior – 9
23 Oliver Russell – 9
7 Theo Fages – 9
8 Chris Hill – 9
9 Danny Levi – 8
20 Oliver Wilson – 8
11 Josh Jones – 8
12 Chris McQueen – 8
13 Luke Yates – 8
Substitutes
5 Ashton Golding – 7
15 Joe Greenwood – 7
17 Owen Trout – 8
18 Sebastine Ikahihifo – 7
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