2023 Super League Preview: Huddersfield Giants

2022 was a strong year for the Giants. The club finished third in Super League and got to the Challenge Cup final, narrowly losing out to a strong Wigan team.

After some major signings, Ian Watson’s side will be looking to build on the good aspects of last season, and use the heartbreak suffered to fuel them to the top of English Rugby League.

Head coach Ian Watson remarked on his team’s success last season, saying: “look at the success we when he came in at the back end of the year, I think we won 6 out of 10 and we basically had 10 under 21s playing then”.

The Giants were built off a core of young players last season, with likes of Will Pryce having a great season. This filled fans with hope and expectation which the team lived up to, but ultimately the experience of other teams bested them at crucial moments.

2023 promises to be even better for the Giants. The club have recruited really well this offseason, adding a heap of NRL and Super League experience to their already exciting squad.

They have secured the signatures of Esan Marsters and Kevin Naiqama to boost their backline, as well as bringing last season’s assist leader Jake Connor back to the John Smith’s Stadium six years after he left for Hull FC. These three will add real firepower to their attack, whilst also taking a lot of the reliance away from NRL-bound Will Pryce.

The club have also bolstered their pack, bringing in Harry Rushton from NRL side Canberra Raiders. The Loose Forward is young and full of potential, and already has both Super League and NRL experience under his belt.

Speaking to the club’s website, Ian Watson heaped praise on the new acquisition, saying: “Outstanding signing for the Giants. [Harry Rushton is] a good, young, English forward who has plenty of ball-playing ability. He’s got the ability to carry the ball, defends well and he’s been well-schooled.

“He’s made his NRL debut this year as well, furthering his experience and playing consistently in the NSW State Cup, he’s continually been one of the better players at that level. I’m absolutely made up, it’s a great signing for Huddersfield.”

Another key addition to the pack is Hooker Nathan Peats, who returns to the club from Toulouse this year after a previous loan with the Giants in 2021.

He will bring plenty of experience following his time in the NRL and representing New South Wales in State of Origin, whilst also adding a lot of quality that could take the Giants to glory.

Peats is another signing that has excited coach Ian Watson, who said: “[Nathan Peats’] experience along with the likes of Chris McQueen was huge so to put Nathan Peats in with the likes of Naiqama and Chris Hill as well as Chris McQueen again, while having that balance in the team and the spine is going to be huge for us going forward and potentially take us to another level.”

Preseason is yet to kick-off for the Giants, with their planned clash against Bradford Bulls being called off. They start their campaign this Sunday 5th February, as they visit the Mend-A-Hose Jungle to face Castleford. They will also play Dewsbury on Sunday 12th February at the John Smith’s Stadium. Whilst starting their preseason fixtures later than most, their Super League season begins a week later on 24th February, so still have time to test out the new combinations before round one.

2023 promises to be an exciting year for the Giants, and one that many fans hope ends in silverware. They have retained the core of young talent, whilst also adding heaps of experience to the squad. Huddersfield are in for a big year.

Arrivals:

Esan Masters (Gold Coast Titans), Jake Bibby (Wigan Warriors), Jake Connor (Hull FC), Harvey Livett (Salford Red Devils), Kevin Naiqama (Sydney Roosters), Harry Rushton (Canberra Raiders), Sam Halsall (Wigan Warriors), Nathan Peats (Toulouse Olympique), Jack Bibby (Wigan Warriors)

Departures:

Louis Senior (Hull KR), Ricky Leutele (Leigh Leopards), Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors), Jack Cogger (Penrith Panthers), Danny Levi (released), Michael Lawrence (Bradford Bulls)

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