This might be the most interesting game of the round as Huddersfield Giants take on Leeds Rhinos in a West Yorkshire derby.
Huddersfield have been flying high throughout 2022 having the season many Leeds fans dreamed of prior to the campaign. Albeit, the Giants lost the cup final but they bounced back with an impressive win over Catalans last week and are cemented in the top four.
However, that same night Leeds’ season seemingly burst into life as Rohan Smith’s philosophies took hold and fired the Rhinos to a 40-4 win over Warrington as Leeds played some exceptional rugby. Can the Rhinos back that up with a win here?
Team News
The Giants are still without the likes of Theo Fages, Chris Hill and Luke Yates for a variety of reasons. Oliver Russell is back in the mix after missing last week’s win over Catalans as is Oliver Wilson. There is no Adam O’Brien after his spectacular try against the Dragons last week.
The Rhinos have two major returnees with Huddersfield born centre Harry Newman set to only make his second appearance of the season come Friday night. Maintaining the Huddersfield connection, former Giant Alex Mellor is also back after a sternum injury. Both are major lifts for Leeds, especially the dynamic Newman. Another of Leeds’ bright youngsters is out injured in the shape of Morgan Gannon who is absent through concussion protocols.
Match Preview – Key Battles:
Tui Lolohea vs Zak Hardaker: Zak Hardaker has been brilliant since returning to the fullback role averaging nearly 200 metres a game in the position and busting tackles like there’s no tomorrow adding a little bit of spice to the Leeds attack. A brilliant defender too, his defence will need to be at its best against Lolohea who will create openings for himself and others all night.
Jermaine McGillvary vs Ash Handley: Elsewhere in the back three, two top, physical wingers tussle as Jermaine McGillvary and Ash Handley do battle. Both can sniff out chances and score impossible tries whilst both hoover up metres at the starts of sets. It will be a big night for McGillvary after confirming his retirement from international rugby opening the door more for Handley where the World Cup is concerned.
Danny Levi vs Kruise Leeming: Kruise Leeming returns to Huddersfield on the back of his best performance of the season and with the Rhinos’ captain’s armband. The reigning Dream Team hooker is battling against a man no doubt chasing that accolade in 2022. Two similar nines with skill and speed, this should be quite the battle.
Where the game will be won and lost:
Attack will decide this game. When they met at Headingley, Leeds proved that despite their struggles they can match the Giants in the middle and have made similar metres to the Giants all season with both teams excelling in that department. However, it’s Leeds’ attack – until last week – that has let them down. If they can conjure up the same magic they could have what it takes to win. That said, the Giants themselves have a very potent and wide ranging attack that Leeds will find difficult to stop.
Score Prediction: Huddersfield Giants 24-20 Leeds Rhinos