SUPER 8S PREVIEW: Huddersfield v Leeds
Huddersfield are boosted in their hunt for the League Leaders’ Shield by the return to the squad of Brett Ferres and Eorl Crabtree, who will add experience and steel to the forward pack.
If Paul Anderson‘s team beat Leeds, they can claim the Shield if Wigan lose to Castleford.
Leeds will claim top spot if they win, and Wigan fail to overturn the points deficit which is in the Rhinos’ favour.
Brett Delaney and Ashton Golding are omitted from Brian McDermott’s squad, with Jimmy Keinhorst and Robbie Ward replacing them.
Leeds are on a three-game losing streak after their emphatic win over Hull KR in the Challenge Cup final.
Huddersfield (19-man squad): Grix, McGillvary, Cudjoe, Wardle, Murphy, Brough, Robinson, Crabtree, Huby, Ferres, Hughes, Lawrence, Kopczak, Ta’ai, Broughton, Ellis, Leeming, Roberts, Smith
Leeds (19-man squad): Hardaker, Briscoe, Watkins, Moon, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Peacock, Ablett, Sinfield, S. Ward, Cuthbertson, Singleton, Keinhorst, Walters, R. Ward, Lilley, Garbutt
Stats:
Huddersfield are undefeated in their last five home meetings with Leeds, having drawn two and won three. The Rhinos’ last away win against the Giants was a 34-28 play-off success on 23 September, 2011.
Danny Brough has scored points in his last 16 games against Leeds (14 for Huddersfield and 2 for Wakefield). His streak began in the Wildcats’ 32-30 home defeat by the Rhinos on 10 July, 2009. Leeds’ Carl Ablett has scored a try in each of the Rhinos’ last three meetings with Huddersfield.
Jamie Peacock needs one appearance to reach 550 for his career. Peacock has played 285 games for Leeds since 2006, to go with 207 for Bradford (1999-2005), 4 for Featherstone (1998, loan), 26 Tests for Great Britain (2001-2007), 23 appearances for England (2000-2001 & 2008-2012) and 4 games for Yorkshire (2001-2003).
Chris Clarkson needs one appearance to reach 150 for his career. Clarkson has played 25 loan games for Widnes in 2015, to go with appearances for Leeds (118, 2010-2014) and Hunslet (3, 2013-2014). He has also represented England Knights (three games, 2012).
Zak Hardaker needs two tries to reach a career century of touchdowns. Hardaker has scored 65 tries for Leeds since 2011, to go with representative scores for England (3, 2012-2013) and England Knights (2, 2012). He also scored 28 tries for previous club Featherstone (2010-2011).
Kallum Watkins needs one try to reach a career century of touchdowns. Watkins has scored 91 tries for Leeds since 2008, to go with eight scores for England since 2012.
Ryan Hall needs one try to reach 200 for Leeds. Hall has touched down 199 times in 251 games for the Rhinos since 2007.
Super League Summary:
Huddersfield won eight
Leeds won 26 (includes win in 2011 play-offs)
Two draws
Huddersfield highest score: 48-24 (H, 2012) (Widest margin: 38-6, A, 2011)
Leeds highest score: 86-6 (H, 1999) (also widest margin)
Last 10 Meetings:
Leeds 48, Huddersfield 16 (CCR6, 16/5/15)
Huddersfield 24, Leeds 24 (SLR13, 30/4/15)
Leeds 28, Huddersfield 24 (SLR3, 26/2/15)
Leeds 22, Huddersfield 24 (SLR16, 12/6/14)
Huddersfield 12, Leeds 12 (SLR4, 7/3/14)
Huddersfield 40, Leeds 18 (SLR19, 23/6/13)
Huddersfield 24, Leeds 8 (CCR5, 11/5/13)
Leeds 8, Huddersfield 32 (SLR6, 8/3/13)
Huddersfield 48, Leeds 24 (SLR27, 9/9/12)
Leeds 12, Huddersfield 22 (SLR9, 30/3/12)