Huddersfield Giants had a tough 2023 campaign. Big things were expected of the Giants ahead of last season, with many expecting them to push for the title; however a slow start, coupled with inconsistent performances from key individuals, left Ian Watson’s side in ninth place. But what does 2024 have in store?
The Giants have brought in some new recruits to bolster their squad. They have brought a mixture of talent to the John Smiths ahead of the 2024 campaign, including exciting NRL players Jack Murchie, Thomas Deakin and Adam Clune. They have also experienced Super League operators in the form of Adam Swift and Andre Savelio and they have looked to the future by bringing in Elliott Wallis. Furthermore, they have retained some key players in the form of Leroy Cudjoe and Ash Goulding.
Looking at their squad on paper, it is clear they have plenty of talent-which will likely give Ian Watson some headaches this year.
With that in mind, we’ve given our thoughts on how they could line-up this season as the Giants look to return to the play-offs:
Full-back: Jake Connor
Jake Connor started off 2023 slowly following a disjointed pre-season, however he improved as the weeks went by last year and with a full pre-season under his belt he should cement the full-back spot in Ian Watson’s side this season.
Wingers: Adam Swift and Jake Bibby
Wing is a position Huddersfield have plenty of depth in-and in particular young talent with Sam Halsall and Elliott Wallis-however we’ve gone for Adam Swift and Jake Bibby.
Swift arrives at the John Smith’s this off-season, and already looks to be a brilliant piece of business from Ian Watson. He was a standout for Hull FC last season, and if he can carry his form in Black and White into Claret and Gold, the Giants could be in for a good year. Alongside him we’ve gone for Jake Bibby. Bibby had a good first season in West Yorkshire following his move from Wigan Warriors, and should be better for the experiences last season.
Centres: Esan Marsters and Kevin Naiqama
Esan Marsters’ debut campaign in the UK was a tough one; he showed glimpses of his potential but couldn’t find the levels of consistency he or Ian Watson were after. He has impressed for the Cook Islands in the Pacific Championship this Autumn, and he will only learn from his first year at the John Smiths. Alongside him we’ve picked Kevin Naiqama. The former St Helens man was one of the Giants better players last season, and will undoubtedly be a leader within the group.
Half-backs: Adam Clune and Tui Lolohea
A tough choice in the halves, however new statement signing Adam Clune comes straight into the side alongside Tui Lolohea. Clune is a shrewd piece of business from the Giants ahead of next season. He demonstrated his quality last year in the NRL and should settle into life in Super League well if his displays last season are anything to go by. His partner in our Giants line-up is Tui Lolohea. Lolohea-like Connor-started 2023 slowly but he improved week on week for Huddersfield. He will also have a full pre-season to build a connection with Clune, and this time could prove vital.
Props: Chris Hill and Joe Greenwood
Chris Hill and Joe Greenwood look likely to form a strong looking middle unit for the Giants in 2024.
Hill was another player who improved as the season went on in 2023, and he was very impressive for England in their series against Tonga-in particular the second test at the John Smith’s. His front-row partner Joe Greenwood was a solid player for the Giants last season, and will look to carry that into the 2024 season.
Hooker: Thomas Deakin
A new arrival from the Sydney Roosters, Thomas Deakin should come straight into the number nine jersey vacated by Nathan Peats. Deakin featured in the NSW Cup last season, however his time in the Roosters set-up will prove invaluable to Ian Watson’s side, and he looks to be another clever piece of business for Huddersfield.
Second-rowers: Andre Savelio and Jack Murchie
More new signings in our Giants line-up.
Andre Savelio joins Adam Swift in swapping the Black and White of Hull FC for the Claret and Gold of Huddersfield Giants, and he should come straight into the starting side. Alongside him is another new recruit in the form of statement signing Jack Murchie. Murchie has big boots to fill following Giants fan favourite Chris McQueen’s departure, but Murchie’s own time in the NRL showed he is a fine addition to the Giants pack.
Loose forward: Luke Yates
Luke Yates should keep his spot in the Giants starting side. He is a workhorse on both sides of the ball, and notably made the most tackles in Super League last year as he racked up an impressive 1027 across the year. He will be looking to continue his good form next year and will again be a key man for the Giants.
Bench:
Ash Goulding
Ash Goulding’s 2023 season was hampered by injury; however when he was fit he showed his quality and should feature off the bench. He also showed last year he is a versatile player, which could prove crucial to Huddersfield.
Hugo Salabio
Hugo Salabio joins Huddersfield from Wakefield Trinity, and should provide plenty of impact off the bench. In his brief time at Belle Vue last season, the Frenchman demonstrated he is a powerful operator and will be a great option to deploy when the game breaks up.
Oliver Wilson
Oliver Wilson was another who grew as the 2023 season progressed, and will again be an important cog in the Giants middle unit.
Matty English
In a similar vain to Wilson, Matty English will be a crucial part of the Giants pack. His role was mainly off the bench last season, and he should have a similar role this campaign.
