Wakefield Trinity travelled to face Huddersfield Giants in Round 19 of Super League and here are the main talking points from the game.
Trinity ran in eight tries as they won 46-10 with Huddersfield dominated throughout, particularly in the first half when five tries were scored in just eighteen minutes.
The talking point ahead of the game was about the squad news as a number of key players returned from long absences. Huddersfield welcomed back Niall Evalds with the full-back returning from a broken foot, whereas Wakefield Trinity saw a triple boost of Renouf Atoni, Matty Storton and Jake Trueman.
Trueman’s return saw Max Jowitt return to full-back which in turn saw Josh Rourke drop out of the 17-man squad. He wasn’t the only talented full-back to miss out with George Flanagan making way for Niall Evalds as well.
Tonight’s result means Trinity have proven themselves top six contenders and here are the key talking points after Wakefield comfortably beat Huddersfield Giants.
Huddersfield Giants v Wakefield Trinity talking points
Milestone man’s night spoiled
Whilst it wasn’t technically his 400th game for the Giants, it was Leroy Cudjoe’s first at home after hitting that milestone against Wigan last week. A shirt was presented before the game as well as a guard of honour for the veteran, however, Wakefield were in no mood to let him celebrate with a win.
Trinity put Huddersfield to the sword, a Giants team who made errors and looked like a dear in the headlights at times. One of those who could leave the field with his head held high was Cudjoe, but his night had already been ruined by then.
Giants blitzed
After taking the lead five minutes in, it looked like Huddersfield might be on for an upset win but those hopes were dashed very quickly as Wakefield scored 30 points inside just 18 minutes.
Jayden Myers scored the first and the last of those with Lachan Walmsley, Mike McMeeken and Corey Hall also scoring in a period that showed savage attack from Trinity and worrying defence from the home side. When on form like that, Wakefield can beat anyone. When on such bad form as that, Huddersfield don’t look cut out for Super League.
Advert against 14 teams
As referenced above, if Huddersfield are currently one of the twelve teams in Super League and can dish up such performances then it begs the question of how can there possibly be enough quality for a 14-team competition?
Wakefield were very good but they’re not a top four side by any means yet they tore the Giants apart. A move to 14 teams brings up at least two Championship teams (possibly three depending on IMG or Salford) and the quality gulf there is even larger, as we saw with some of the one-sided Challenge Cup scores earlier in the year.
Giants fans turn ugly
Boos at half time, boos at full-time, boos mid-game. There were a lot of boos and who can blame the Giants fans? It was one of those nights but these nights happen all too often for Huddersfield, particularly at home.
Coincidentally, when they played at Batley for their game against Wigan they were far more competitive. Ken Davy’s wish to move to a smaller stadium might genuinely help results and they need it quick before they lose anymore fans with such performances as tonight.
Stars emerge for Wakefield
It’s probably no coincidence that Wakefield were much improved for having Jake Trueman back. His kick for the first try was sublime and his cutout pass to open the field for the second was second to none.
Having him back moved Max Jowitt to full-back, where he flourishes so much more, and unlocks a lethal left edge which Jayden Myers benefited from on his second consecutive start in a superb performance from the young winger.
Teams
Huddersfield Giants XIII: Niall Evalds, Jacob Gagai, Taane Milne, Sam Halsall, Adam Swift, Tui Lolohea, Matt Frawley, Tom Burgess, Zac Woolford, Tristan Powell, Harry Rushton, Jake Bibby, Leroy Cudjoe
Interchanges: Ash Golding, Matty English, George King, Liam Rush
Wakefield Trinity XIII: Max Jowitt, Lachlan Walmsley, Corey Hall, Cam Scott, Jayden Myers, Jake Trueman, Mason Lino, Mike McMeeken, Liam Hood, Caius Faatili, Josh Griffin, Matty Storton, Jay Pitts
Interchanges: Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Renouf Atoni, Isaiah Vagana, Harvey Smith
A strong second 40 for the Rhinos 🦏#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/CundjFj8xs
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 18, 2025
