Ian Watson sheds light on how he’ll line up in Super League as he reveals strong side for Dewsbury friendly

Ian Watson has named his first team of 2022 as he and his Huddersfield side prepare for what they hope will be a big year.

2021 started with all the promise in the world for Watson and his Giants side with many tipping them for play-off rugby. They even beat Leeds in their only pre-season friendly 22-16 only to then struggle in the league quickly slipping out of the play-off race due to injuries.

Those injuries did lead to the unveiling of young stars like Will Pryce who could propel the Giants to success in 2022 alongside some astute signings. Pryce starts in today’s friendly at Dewsbury for Michael Knowles’ testimonial making the switch to fullback having been awarded the number one shirt.

The man he took the shirt from, Ashton Golding, was expected to start on the wing having been given the number five but has instead been left on the bench with Louis Senior getting the nod on the wing alongside Jermaine McGillvary whilst Ricky Leutele is joined by Leroy Cudjoe at centre.

Tui Lolohea makes his Huddersfield debut at stand-off but there’s no Theo Fages meaning Olly Russell starts at seven. There’s debuts in the front row too with Chris Hill and Danny Levi starting at prop and hooker respectively.

This very much looks close to what the Giants’ strongest side could be in 2022 except for the notable absentees Fages, centre Jake Wardle and backrower Josh Jones.

Watson has given plenty of his squad the chance to shine though with 13 substitutes names as well meaning 26 players could stake a claim for a starting spot when they take on Toulouse in Round One.

Here’s the side in full:

1 Will Pryce
2 Jermaine McGillvary
21 Leroy Cudjoe
4 Ricky Leuetel
22 Louis Senior
6 Tui Lolohea
23 Olly Russell
8 Chris Hill
9 Danny Levi
20 Olly Wilson
15 Joe Greenwood
12 Chris McQueen
13 Luke Yates
Substitutes
14 Matty English
5 Ashton Golding
16 Jack Cogger
17 Owen Trout
18 Sebastine Ikahihifo
10 Michael Lawrence
27 Jack Ashworth
35 George Roby
26 Nathan Mason
32 Fenton Rodgers
34 Kieran Rush
28 Robson Stevens
19 Adam O’Brien