In arguably the game of the round, Huddersfield host Champions St Helens.
The Giants missed out on a chance to keep the pressure on the Champions when they dropped a point after a lukewarm performance against Leeds at Headingley. But their performance in the last two minutes to snatch the draw shows the quality and character of this side which could make them a massive threat to the Saints here and over the course of the season.
St Helens though will be full of confidence after dispatching their closest rivals Wigan with relative ease on Good Friday. They do have a day’s less rest and a few injury concerns, but the Champions will take some stopping here.
Team News:
There are doubts for Huddersfield over Theo Fages, Matty English and Owen Trout all of whom picked up knocks against Leeds in the 20-all draw.
Saints perhaps have it worse with Agnatius Paasi and Lewis Dodd picking up injuries. Dodd is a major worry after he limped off the field yesterday. There will be no Morgan Knowles as he failed his HIA but Jon Benninson will be available despite on field treatment. Konrad Hurrell will be available despite picking up a two-game ban as it does not come into effect until after the Easter period.
Match Preview – Key Battles:
Tui Lolohea vs Jack Welsby: Two fullbacks already in double figures in terms of assists do battle. Both could very well pick apart the opposition defence here and have a huge barring on the game. Will the more experienced Lolohea have the edge or will it be youngster Welsby who leads his side to yet another victory.
Danny Levi vs James Roby: A chance for the league’s in form hooker to test himself against the very best here. It will be a battle between the explosive style of Levi and Roby’s much more cerebral and plotting approach. In this clash of styles, it may be a case of cat and mouse and should Roby shut Levi down, the Saints skipper may boss the middle channel.
Chris Hill vs Alex Walmsley: The league’s two best props go toe to toe here with Chris Hill reaching the levels we saw earlier in his Warrington career now at Huddersfield. If he can match the brilliant and at times unstoppable Walmsley, the Giants could very well cause the upset.
Where the game will be won and lost:
Huddersfield have shown again and again that they have the abilities to contain the best packs in the league including Catalans and Hull FC. But this will be their biggest test. If they can match the Saints middles, they have the tools to score points and beat the Champions.
Score Prediction: Huddersfield Giants 12-16 St Helens