Challenge Cup Preview: Huddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos
It is the first time both clubs have ever played each other in the Challenge Cup at the John Smith’s Stadium. The previous tie back in 2006 was the semi-final held at Odsal Stadium in Bradford, saw Huddersfield secure a 30-12 victory.
Both teams have had their equal share of winning games when they met each other in the cup, both winning eight out of the 16 meetings the earliest dating back to 1902 where Huddersfield beat Leeds 11-0 in round three.
It promises to be a thrilling Yorkshire derby as both teams are in good form in Super League. Leeds will be looking to avenge the meeting between the two sides earlier this season when Huddersfield won 32-8.
Huddersfield’s head coach Paul Anderson has named a very strong side after making three changes to the 19-man squad that lost 34-12 to Warrington Wolves last weekend Ben Blackmore and try-scoring Kruise Leeming have been replaced by Joe Wardle and Brett Ferres whilst David Faiumu has recovered from his rib injury and comes in for Jamie Cording.
The only change for Leeds Rhinos 19-man squad after their 42-22 win over Bradford Bulls last weekend is Richard Moore who replaces prop Brad Singleton.
Huddersfield Giants 19-man squad: Grix, Cudjoe, Wardle, McGillvary, Brough, Robinson, Crabtree, Lunt, Kopczak, Ferres, Faiumu, Lawrence, Patrick, Chan, Ta’ai, Murphy, Ferguson, Mullally, Dawson
Leeds Rhinos 19-man squad: Hardaker, Watkins, Moon, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, McShane, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Sinfield, Delaney, Bailey, Kirke, Clarkson, Achurch, Moore, Sutcliffe,
Prediction: Will be a very close game, but Leeds will just grab it – Away win
Stats:
Kevin Sinfield will set a new club record on Saturday as he starts his 93rd consecutive game for the club, surpassing the 92 games set by Scott Donald between February 2006 and July 2008
Danny McGuire needs three tries to reach 250 for his career. McGuire has touched down 229 times for Leeds since 2001
Leeroy Cudjoe needs one appearance to reach 150 for Huddersfield, he is set to reach the milestone against the same club he made his debut against, which was off the bench against the Rhinos at the Galpharm Stadium on 10 February, 2008.
Ryan Hall needs one try to reach 150 for Leeds, he has touched down 149 times in 175 games for Leeds since 2007.
Danny Brough is six goals away from 100 in the Challenge Cup
