Coming into the 2023 Super League season there was plenty of hype about Huddersfield Giants given their third-placed finish in 2022 and the impressive nature of their Challenge Cup run, just falling short against Wigan Warriors in the final.
Factor in the additions to the squad such as 2022 assist king Jake Connor from Hull FC and many felt that the Giants were ready to get a step further and challenge for silverware.
As it’s turned out that’s not been the case unfortunately and Ian Watson’s men currently sit in 10th place in the table and also fell at the first hurdle in the Challenge Cup.
One of the biggest shock results of the season so far came when Hull FC defeated the Giants, ending the Black and Whites seven game losing streak and condemning Huddersfield to a humiliating defeat.
It was a defeat that sparked two more poor performances will Hull KR nilling the Giants before Leigh kept them to just four points.
This Thursday the Giants get the chance to avenge that loss against FC and Ian Watson has confirmed his squad for the game, with Jake Connor set to feature against his former club and desperate for the win having lost last time out.
Connor retains his place in the squad from the victory over Wakefield but there’s a major boost with Theo Fages and Seb Ikahihifo both returning.
One player who doesn’t feature though is Will Pryce with the young full-back having not featured since the humiliating 54-0 loss to Leeds Rhinos.
That’s despite the fact Pryce is 100% healthy, as confirmed by Watson when asked about Pryce and fellow youngster Jack Ashworth.
“No, no they’re both fully fit so yeah Prycey and Jack were with the squad this morning doing some things. Jack played in our reserves against St Helens to get some game time as well.
“He’s kind of he’s been on the fringes a little bit of kind of 18th man him and Pricey over the last couple of weeks but they are fit they are fit.”
This would suggest that the talented youngster, who is headed for the NRL at the end of the season, can’t hold down a place in the Giants side and has been dropped.
