Huddersfield Giants 2022 preview: Next stage of a big job for Watson
Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com
Ian Watson takes charge of Huddersfield for a second season and he has a visible print on their class of 2022.
Two big signings have been made at half-back in the shape of Theo Fages and Tui Lolohea, while the vastly experienced Chris Hill adds an old head to the pack.
There’s excitement around the potential of Will Pryce and the Giants have a clutch of young players that could well make a difference.
The appointment of Luke Yates as captain underlines his importance and quality, and much will be expected of Watson with this squad – particularly when noting the successes he had at Salford.
Key man
What they said
Watson: “I’d probably say the job is bigger than I anticipated. There were certain issues we had to kind of tidy up, things you don’t see from the outside.
“That was last year though, this year is good, the group of players we’ve got this year is outstanding.
“I feel we are miles in front of where we were last year, now we’ve got to take that out on to the field.
“The minimum target is the play-offs and we’ll see where we can go from there.”
Huddersfield Giants 2022 preview: Key info
Coach: Ian Watson (since November 2020).
Captain: Luke Yates
In: Chris Hill (Warrington), Nathan Mason (Leigh), Theo Fages (St Helens), Tui Lolohea, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Oliver Roberts (all Salford), Danny Levi (Brisbane).
Out: Lee Gaskell (Wakefield), Aidan Sezer (Leeds), Sam Wood (Hull KR), Joe Wardle (Leigh), Darnell McIntosh (Hull FC), Kenny Edwards (Castleford), Nathaniel Peteru (released), Nathan Peats (Albi), James Cunningham (Toulouse), James Gavet (released).
Huddersfield Giants 2022 preview: squad in full
1. Will Pryce, 2. Jermaine McGillvary, 3. Jake Wardle, 4. Ricky Leutele, 5. Ashton Golding, 6. Tui Lolohea, 7. Theo Fages, 8. Chris Hill, 9. Danny Levi, 10. Michael Lawrence, 11. Josh Jones, 12. Chris McQueen, 13. Luke Yates, 14. Matty English, 15. Joe Greenwood, 16. Jack Cogger, 17. Owen Trout, 18. Sebastine Ikahihifo, 19. Adam O’Brien, 20. Oliver Wilson, 21. Leroy Cudjoe, 22. Louis Senior, 23. Olly Russell, 24. Ollie Roberts, 25. Innes Senior, 26. Nathan Mason, 27. Jack Ashworth, 28. Robson Stevens, 29. Sam Hewitt, 30. Jon Luke Kirky, 31. Olly Ashall-Bott, 32. Fenton Rogers, 33. Aidan McGowan, 34. Kieran Rush, 35. George Roby, 36. Chester Butler.
Odds: Grand Final winners 28/1 (8th), Regular season winner 33/1 (8th)
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