The eighth placed Giants travel to Headingley to play bottom of the table Leeds. Here’s everything you need to know.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Leeds Rhinos
The Rhinos come into this one having gained confidence from a 78-6 rout of Workington in the Challenge Cup on Friday.
However, they were soundly beaten by Hull KR in their last Super League outing.
Huddersfield Giants
The Giants moved four points clear of Leeds with a win over Castleford last Thursday. This win surely helped get over a dramatic loss to Wakefield the week before, in which they lost by a single point.
SQUAD NEWS
Leeds Rhinos
Tom Briscoe, Brad Dwyer and Konrad Hurrell all return to the side after missing last week’s game. However, Trent Merrin remains in Australia on compassionate leave.
Finally, both Callum McLelland and Owen Trout have been included in the 19-man squad after impressing last week.
Leeds 19-man squad: Briscoe, Watkins, Hurrell, Handley, Lolohea, Myler, Parcell, Singleton, Dwyer, Sutcliffe, Ferres,Peteru, Oledzki, Jones-Buchanan, McLelland, Donaldson, Newman, Trout, Albert.
Huddersfield Giants
Paul Clough has been named in the 19 man squad for the first time this season.
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Darnell McIntosh is also included after signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2021.
Huddersfield 19-man squad: McIntosh, McGillvary, Turner, Uate, Frawley, Clough, Leeming, Matagi, Murphy,Lawrence,O’Brien, Ta’ai, English, Wardle, Russell, Ikahihifo, Hewitt, Senior, Wardle.
HEAD TO HEAD
The two sides met in a Bank Holiday fixture last season, which ended in a draw at the John Smith’s Stadium. Neither side were really at their best and a draw seemed a fair outcome.
The most famous fixture between the two sides was surely the final game of the 2015 regular season, when a last minute Ryan Hall try allowed the Rhinos to take the League Leader’s Shield en route to a historic treble.
However, the teams have changed dramatically even from last season, with Leeds losing Brett Delaney, Joel Moon and Ryan Hall. Meanwhile, the Giants lost half back Danny Brough, who always seemed to dominate against the Rhinos.
KEY BATTLE
Konrad Hurrell (Leeds Rhinos) v Jordan Turner (Huddersfield Giants)
Konrad Hurrell has been the clear standout for Leeds this season. At times, he seems to be the only one in a Leeds shirt interested in winning. His powerful running and metre making has been vital for the Rhinos and his four tries in his last appearance were in vain, as Leeds were defeated by Hull KR. Should the Rhinos have a chance at winning on Friday, they will need Hurrell to kickstart their attack.
Jordan Turner has settled into life in Huddersfield very well, following his NRL adventure. He can be very dangerous on his day and could be in for a huge performance against the Rhinos. A strong performance on Friday against Leeds could raise his profile to one of the best centres Super League has to offer.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Friday 19th April
Venue: Emerald Headingley Stadium
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Robert Hicks
WHO WILL WIN?
Leeds will be spurred on by the home support and will just edge this game. 22-18.
