Will They Arise Again?! Huddersfield Giants 2019 Season Review

Another dance with danger but the Huddersfield Giants battled hard and survived to stay in the Betfred Super League once again.

Many people might be annoyed due to the infamous cowbell remaining but aside that, credit where it is due to the Giants.

Despite possessing a young and slightly inexperienced squad, they pulled off some remarkable wins against clubs some thought they would be cannon fodder against.

Though they also sustained some heavy defeats too along the way, the competition remains within the sport’s birthplace as we look back at 2019 and what could have been for the club.

 

Best Result: Hull FC 2-55 Huddersfield Giants

No doubt about it, their annihilation of Hull FC at the Magic Weekend is an obvious choice.

Both teams went in to the fixture on the back of a win and this match could have gone either way, but the Giants came out firing at Anfield, honouring their hosts in their special red jerseys on the day.

Darnell McIntosh, Adam O’Brien and Jermaine McGillvary all bagged two tries each, with brothers Jake and Joe Wardle both scoring one try and both Alex Mellor’s and Aaron Murphy’s touchdowns completed the rout.

Of course Olly Russell slotted over seven goals and a field-goal, with Marc Sneyd for Hull adding a penalty goal as a mere consolation.

The Giants were dominant from the word go, wanting the match more, looked more interested and displayed some exciting attacking rugby that completely stunned the Airlie Birds.

Perhaps a rare moment of magic by Huddersfield in what was a tough season but should give the club hope of what they are capable of, if they believe.

 

Worst Result: Huddersfield Giants 0-44 Leeds Rhinos

A huge home drubbing sustained against a fierce rival is never nice but to be blanked out was even worse as Leeds Rhinos came to the town and were utterly ruthless.

Huddersfield dominated the early stages of the match but could not capitalise and soon Leeds were rewarded for weathering the storm.

Adam Cuthbertson opened the scoring just before 20 minutes played, before Tom Briscoe, Konrad Hurrell and Brad Dwyer all added tries throughout the remainder of the first half.

The Giants kept going but still could not find a way through Leeds’ defence and before they knew it, the Rhinos, in response, just kept breaking through.

Hurrell completed his brace, Liam Sutcliffe also touched down with Ash Handley clinching two tries either side of Sutcliffe’s that ended the try scoring, with new signing Rhyse Martin adding six goals.

Definitely a day to forget for the Giants and no doubt will have taken hard lessons out of the game.

 

Main Man: Lee Gaskell

Slightly difficult choice as they had some hard working forwards but their main man is half-back Lee Gaskell.

Gaskell was arguably their go to man in attack, possessing an delicate kicking game as well as the ability to run at the line and sneak an offload or two in considering his upper body strength.

He also provided the highest amount of try assists for the club with a total of 18, also scoring four tries, amassing 1519 metres and completing 353 tackles for good measure.

A real grafter who has always had potential and should he improve, could very well help the Giants improve from 2020 onwards.

 

Predicted 9^th – Finished 10^th

It always was going to be a struggle but the Giants survived and that is all that matters.

Releasing Jordan Rankin in the close season was risky; though they regained the elder Wardle, their attacking options was much more limited.

And that did show, with only three clubs scoring less points this season reflecting this as well as their low finish.

Plenty to improve on, maybe some recruitment needed in various positions as well as some experience should they wish to compete for honours after a few seasons just making up the numbers?!