McGillvary should return for St Helens clash
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 02: Jermaine McGillvary of England shows his emotion during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final between the Australian Kangaroos and England at Suncorp Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
England winger Jermaine McGillvary should be back for Huddersfield’s next game against St Helens in a fortnight, according to coach Rick Stone.
McGillvary, 29, hasn’t played since the World Cup final at the start of December with a knee injury.
The Giants enjoy a week off next weekend before hosting pre-season favourites St Helens on Friday February 23.
Speaking after the 20-6 win over Warrington, Stone said: “Jerry is close.
“He’s got a bit of soreness in his knee which is frustrating for everyone, our medical team and Jerry himself.
“With the week off next week I’d be surprised if he doesn’t make the Saints match.
“It will be positive to get him back and get a few others back.
“It’s not great to play two games and then have a week off, but most of the others are doing it, so you handle the cards you’re dealt with and get on with it.”
As well as the Giants, St Helens, Castleford, Wakefield and Salford all enjoy a free weekend next week.
Leeds are Down Under in World Club Challenge action against Melbourne, while Wigan and Hull are also in Australia and will play South Sydney Rabbitohs and St George-Illawarra Dragons respectively.
Last year’s bottom four will play Super League games that would be part of a later round in the season that clashes with their early entry to the Challenge Cup.
Widnes host Warrington and Catalans travel to newly-promoted Hull KR, who took the place of Leigh in Super League via The Qualifiers.
