Huddersfield Giants host Leeds Rhinos on Thursday night, as the second instalment of Super League’s ‘Rivals Round’ takes place this week.
The Giants have won three of their last five matches, in what has been an improved end to the season. However, a 48-2 defeat at the hands of Wakefield Trinity put them back to square one as focus now turns to 2026.
For Leeds, a 34-0 away win over Hull FC was marred by the injury to the returning Max Simpson. Making his comeback after three years on the sidelines, the centre had to be stretchered off the field following a heavy collision. Thankfully, the doctors gave him the all clear but he will miss this week’s game as he follows concussion protocols.
Here is the key team news for Thursday night’s tie, and how we expect both sides to line up.
Huddersfield Giants team news:
Taane Milne picked up a one-match suspension following the defeat to Wakefield, whist props Oliver Wilson and Matty English are both absent due to injury.
Giants legend and club captain, Leroy Cudjoe, will also miss the game after the sad news of his grandmother’s passing this week.
Oliver Russell returns to the squad after being unable to face his parent club last week. The Giants have five academy players in their initial 21, including Leo Ward and Logan Blacker who are yet to make their first team debuts.
Huddersfield Giants Predicted XVII:Â 29. George Flanagan Jr, 24. Aidan McGowan, 3. Jake Bibby, 1. Jacob Gagai, 5. Sam Halsall, 27. Kieran Rush, 36. Oliver Russell, 16. George King, 9. Zac Woolford, 22. Tristan Powell, 17. Joe Greenwood, 25. Jack Billington, 13. Harry Rushton.
Bench: 10. Thomas Burgess, 14. Ashton Golding, 18. Fenton Rogers, 33. Archie Sykes.
Leeds Rhinos Team News:
Keenan Palasia remains absent for Brad Arthur’s side after being a late withdrawal in the game against Hull FC. The Samoan international has aggravated a minor knee injury, but should be back to face Catalans next week.
Ned McCormack comes into the side in place of the injured Simpson. Should he be selected it will be the 20-year-old’s first appearance since picking up an injury in the act of scoring against Warrington Wolves last year.
Joe Shorrocks made his debut for Leeds last week, after signing on loan from Salford Red Devils. However, the forward picked up a two-match suspension and will be free to return against Wigan in the final game of the regular season.
Leeds Rhinos Predicted XVII:Â 1. Lachie Miller, 31. Chris Hankinson, 25. Ned McCormack, 3. Harry Newman, 5. Ryan Hall, 6. Brodie Croft, 18. Jake Connor, 8. Mikolaj Oledzki, 14. Jarrod O’Connor, 29. Presley Cassell, 16. Morgan Gannon, 12. James McDonnell, 28. Kallum Watkins.
Bench: 11. James Bentley, 15. Sam Lisone, 17. Cooper Jenkins, 20. Jack Sinfield
