A welcome distraction for Huddersfield Giants this weekend. After losing their opening two Super League games, they beat Leigh Centurions to reach the Challenge Cup Quarter Final .
Ian Watson’s Giants raced to an 18-point lead in the opening 20 minutes thanks to tries from Kenny Edwards, Sam Wood and Jermaine McGillvary. It was a sign of the Huddersfield side that was expected at the start of the season, showing the quality they hold throughout the squad.
Leigh did provide a fight back in the second half bringing the game back to within 10 points, but the Giants proved to be too strong with McGillvary completing his hat-trick in the closing stages.
After disappointing attacking displays in the opening two rounds against Hull FC and Catalan Dragons, the absence of attacking flare provided by Aidan Sezer was clear to see. But it was Lee Gaskell who stepped up against the Centurions. The number six was influential all game setting up three tries and grabbing a well-deserved try in the final minutes.
McGillvary was also impressive for the Giants, and received high praise from his manager in his post-match press conference.
“ Jermaine has been quality since I have come to the club, he is willing to learn and wants to learn to get better. He is great to work with. There are certain things we have noticed in his game that we have looked to work on to improve his game. He is a very good player!”
There is more good news for Giants fans too. Watson also confirmed that Sezer is likely to return to action on Friday against Hull Kingston Rovers.
“He is looking really good, he trained today and he will back that up tomorrow, he is getting closer and closer. “ Aidan coming in is going to be the icing on the cake”
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