SUPER LEAGUE PREVIEW | Huddersfield Giants vs St. Helens
SQUAD NEWS
Huddersfield Giants
Head Coach Chris Thorman has made three changes to the squad that took on Salford with Danny Brough, Matty English and Jared Simpson dropping out to be replaced by Tyler Dickinson, Colton Roche, and Sam Wood.
The Giants are six games without a victory after last weeks 30-12 loss to Salford, their last victory coming way back in early March against the Widnes Vikings.
Giants 19-man squad: Turner, Murphy, Gaskell, Ikahihifo, Leeming, Wakeman, Hinchcliffe, Rankin, Roberts, Ta’ai, Clough, Smith, Walne, Mellor, McIntosh, Dickinson, Roche, Wood, Senior.
St. Helens
James Bentley and Jack Ashworth have been called into the Saints 19-man squad as Mark Percival misses out through suspension and Zeb Taia through injury.
Saints failed to follow up their successful easter period as they fell short against Wakefield in a 24-20 defeat.
Saints 19-man squad: Lomax, Makinson, Morgan, Fages, Smith, Amor, Wilkin, Mcarthy-Scarsbrook, Douglas, Knowles, Thompson, Peyroux, Richardson, Grace, Lees, Ashworth, Barba, Bentley, Costello
HEAD TO HEAD
Justin Holbrook’s have enjoyed the better of this fixture recently, with three wins and a draw in the previous six encounters.
Previous meetings suggest points won’t be at a premium as these two sides- who like to attack- have racked up 30+ points in three of the past six encounters.
Nevertheless, the absence of Brough and Percival may have a bearing on the attacking endeavour of both sides this evening.
KEY BATTLE- Jordan Turner vs Saints’ left edge
Since joining the Giants, Jordan Turner has been unable to replicate the form which saw him lift the Super League title with the Saints.
As Mark Percival misses out, Justin Holbrook has a few choices on how to change his side around. Youngster Matt Costello could be called upon to deputise, or the impressive Tommy Makinson could once again be shifted inside.
Johnny Lomax has made a few appearances in the centres over the course of the last 12 months, which could fave the way for Theo Fages and Matty Smith to both feature.
Whichever decision is made, there is a huge running threat in the form of Turner and, if not handled correctly, it could be key to unlocking his and the Giants attacking potential.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Friday 20th April
Venue: Totally Wicked Stadium
Kick-off: 8pm
Referee: S. Mikalauskas
WHO WILL WIN?
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