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Starting XVII: Is this how Huddersfield will line up in 2020?

Huddersfield Magic Weekend shirt

In our penultimate edition of ‘Starting XVII’, we take look at Simon Woolford’s Huddersfield.

After finishing 2019 in the bottom four, the key addition for next season was a leader, and that came in the shape of Canberra Raiders scrum-half Aidan Sezer.

He’ll likely line up in the halves, but who else will join him in the matchday XVII?

Fullback – Ashton Golding

New signing Golding has been brought in to provide some defensive assurance. After losing his place in the Leeds squad, he spent most of 2019 at Featherstone and had a huge hand in Rovers’ journey to the Championship play-off final. His attacking game has also improved dramatically in the past 12 months, so he’ll be looking to build up a strong combination with Lee Gaskell and Aidan Sezer.

Wingers – Jermaine McGillvary and Louis Senior

McGillvary is among the Giants’ best players and can make or break a game, meaning he’ll once again take his place on the right wing. Senior was one of the club’s standout youngsters in 2019, finishing the season with eight tries in 13 appearances. He faces stiff competition from fit-again Australia and Fiji international Akuila Uate but should retain his spot after such impressive form.

Centres – Darnell McIntosh and Jake Wardle

Ashton Golding’s arrival means McIntosh will likely transition out wide, with Louis Senior’s form pushing him into the centres . His athleticism and handling skills lend themselves perfectly to that position, so he should have no problem making the switch. The younger of the two Wardles, Jake has established himself as a Super League standard player in the past couple of seasons, showing the same gritty toughness in defence as his brother, whilst also demonstrating some classy touches in attack.

Halves – Lee Gaskell and Aidan Sezer

This is where Simon Woolford is hoping to see the biggest change in 2020. Huddersfield struggled for consistency and quality in the halves last year but the signing of NRL Grand Finalist Sezer should bring some much-needed direction to their squad. He’ll also take the pressure off Gaskell, who can focus on playing at the line and combining with Golding.

Props – James Gavet and Matty English

The Giants have lost one man mountain in Sebastine Ikahihifo, but have replaced him with an even bigger one. At 6ft2in and 108kg, Samoan international Gavet is an intimidating prospect leading the forward line, while young ‘Polar Bear’ English will ensure their go-forward is consistent and maintained.

Second Rowers – Kenny Edwards and Aaron Murphy

Murphy’s transition into the forwards is something no one really expected. Injuries elsewhere saw him shifted into the back row in 2018, where he has since excelled with his strong running and outstanding defence. The signing of Edwards brings an element of flare to the Giants’ pack, with the 30-year-old possessing superb aggression and handling skills.

Loose Forward – Michael Lawrence

Vice-captain Lawrence will again serve as the leader in the middle. Like Murphy, he has also transitioned from the outside backs into the forwards and is now a key part of Woolford’s engine room.

Subs – Jordan Turner, Suaia Matagi, Joe Wardle and Ukuma Ta’ai

Leeming’s departure could also have an effect on the bench. Turner could well be named as a utility, with his ability to play in the centres, halves and back row being a precious commodity to have. Pacific Islands pair Matagi and Ta’ai add significant bulk and aggression to the front row, while Wardle allows for rotation in the back row. Paul Clough, Oliver Roberts, Oliver Wilson, Tom Holmes and Owen Trout will also be in contention for spots in the 17.

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