Huddersfield Giants half-back Adam Clune is set to spend another two months on the sidelines after picking up a fresh injury. Clune made his first appearance of the season on Sunday against Wigan Warriors and produced a performance that will have encouraged head coach Luke Robinson, who has cut a frustrated figure this season.
However, that encouragement will have turned to despair this week with the half-back ruled out for another couple of months. It comes as a huge blow for the Giants who are yet to field something close to their best side this season.
To make matters worse, the Giants will be without star off-season recruits Jacob Gagai and Thomas Burgess this weekend as they take on Wakefield Trinity in the Challenge Cup. Gagai will sit out the contest due to head injury protocols, while Burgess has a small strain.
Zac Woolford, Joe Greenwood and George King remain ruled out, too. There is some good news, though, with Sam Halsall returning from injury to take on Wakefield, with Robinson having to look to the depths of his squad elsewhere. Tui Lolohea features after being unwell last weekend.
Wakefield boss Daryl Powell has named an unchanged squad for the game at the John Smith’s Stadium, with Jay Pitts included in the fold. The forward missed last weekend’s win over Warrington Wolves but he’s fit enough to be included for the trip across West Yorkshire.
Huddersfield saw off Hunslet to reach the final 16 of the Challenge Cup last month, while Wakefield thumped Goole Vikings to set the tone for what has been a strong start to the season for Powell’s side.
Huddersfield Giants: Adam Swift, Jake Bibby, Liam Sutcliffe, Sam Halsall, Tui Lolohea, Oliver Wilson, Jack Murchie, Sam Hewitt, Harry Rushton, Ashton Golding, Matty English, Fenton Rogers, Thomas Deakin, Elliot Wallis, Leroy Cudjoe, Taane Milne, Aidan McGowan, Jack Billington, Connor Carr, George Flanagan, Jack Bibby.
Wakefield Trinity: Max Jowitt, Lachlan Walmsley, Corey Hall, Tom Johnstone, Jake Trueman, Oliver Russell, Mike McMeeken, Liam Hood, Jay Pitts, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Renouf Atoni, Matty Storton, Isaiah Vagana, Oliver Pratt, Mason Lino, Mathieu Cozza, Matty Russell, Jack Croft, Harvey Smith, Jayden Myers, Caius Faatili
