Bradford Bulls and Huddersfield Giants are two Super League sides arguably doing it the toughest as it stands, with neither club having any luck on the injury front.
The pair will face off at Odsal Stadium for the first time since 2014 on Friday night, as Bradford look to keep their home win streak alive and Huddersfield look to claim their first victory of the season.
However, with over 25 players either injured or suspended from the two sides, it is fair to say that the pair are down to the bare bones when it comes to squad selection.
Bradford currently have 10 of their squad sidelined for one reason of another, but have been provided a huge boost in that Jayden Nikorima will feature for the first time after recovering from a calf injury.
The club have also announced the loan signing of Trey Lolesio from Wakefield Trinity, whilst Huddersfield have brought in three recruits themselves, all of which hailing from Leeds Rhinos.
Bulls boss Kurt Haggerty spoke to the press on Tuesday afternoon to preview that the round five tie, with the coach revealing just how hard it is to prepare for a team with so many injuries.
He said: “It’s so difficult to preview, but what I do know is they’re playing more rugby than I’ve seen for a little while.
“There’s a bit of risk-averse play with them, so they’re certainly a dangerous team. They’ve still got some very good players like Tui Lolohea and Taane Milne and [Tom] Burgess, so we’ve certainly got to be on [form] to beat them.
As mentioned, the Giants are yet to win in 2026, but that doesn’t make the task any easier for Haggerty’s side. They still have to be on top form if they are to topple Luke Robinson’s side.
Asked if they see this game as an easier fixture, the boss replied: “I think if I looked at it like that, I’d be getting it wrong and I’d be sending the wrong message to the team.
“It’s very much focused on us, prepping for the best version of Huddersfield. We’re in a similar situation to they are in regards to the injuries. So, we certainly won’t be underestimating them.”
Coach to coach, Haggerty feels for Robinson and what he is having to endure over at the Giants. The two young, English coaches are certainly going through a lot of adversity with their side, Robinson more so than Haggerty.
“It’s so difficult,” the Bradford man said when asked if he feels for the Giants coach. “I’d spoken to Luke a couple of weeks ago and it’s such a hard situation that he’s going through and it’s pretty unique.
“Nearly every club’s going through it at the moment but Luke’s a great fella and I hope they come through the other end of it.
“They’ve got a very good team and they’re all fit. I hope, and the same [goes to] everybody else, everybody comes through on the good side of it.”
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