LADBROKES CHALLENGE CUP PREVIEW | Huddersfield Giants vs Wakefield Trinity
Huddersfield Giants are boosted by the return of stars Danny Brough and Jermain McGillvary as they welcome Wakefield Trinity to the John Smith’s stadium for the sixth round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.
SQUAD NEWS
Huddersfield Giants
Jermaine McGillvary is in line for his return to action after almost a month out with injury, while Danny Brough also moves back into the side with youngsters Oliver Russel and Jake Wardle dropping out.
The Giants grabbed their first win in eight games last weekend against the Widnes Vikings to ease their Super League woes and gift interim coach Chris Thorman the perfect farewell as he hands the reins over to Simon Woolford.
Huddersfield 19-man squad: Mamo, McGillvary, Turner, Gaskell, Brough, Ikahihifo, Leeming, Lawrence, Hinchcliffe, Rankin, Ta’ai, Clough, Smith, O’Brien, Mellor, McIntosh, Dickinson, Wood, English.
Wakefield Trinity
Chris Chester has made three changes to his side with Max Jowitt, Joe Arundel and Mason-Caton Brown coming in for Scott Grix, Craig Huby and Ben-Jones Bishop
A Tom Johnstone hat-trick blew away Hull KR last weekend to catapult Trinity into the Challenge Cup off the back of a 54-18 victory over the Robins.
Wakefield 19-man squad: Arouna, Arundel, Ashurst, Batchelor, Caton-Brown, England, Fifita, Finn, Hampshire, Hirst, Horo, Johnstone, Jowitt, Lyne, Miller, Pauli, Randell, Tupou, Wood
HEAD TO HEAD
In 2016, these sides met to play in the quarterfinals of the competition, a debut double for David Fifita and a Tom Johnstone intercept try sent the Giants packing.
The Giants also found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreline earlier this year, Trinity grabbing a 22-4 win in their electric start to the campaign.
Whilst league form does little to suggest a different outcome will the ‘magic of the cup’ shine through for the Giants.
KEY BATTLE- Jermaine McGillvary v Tom Johnstone
Should McGillvary make his return it makes for a tantalising battle, with which we ask the question, what happens when an immovable object meets an unstoppable force?
The talents of these wingers are clear to see, Tom Johnstone has crossed for eight tries this year showing his impeccable finishing ability.
However, the sheer power of McGillvary should be a worry for Trinity with over 500 metres made and eleven tackle busts in just five games he is a huge strike weapon.
Getting the ball to their star wingers will be key for whichever side progresses in this competition.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Friday 11th May
Venue: John Smith’s Stadium
Kick-off: 7:45
Referee: Gareth Hewer
WHO WILL WIN?
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