Huddersfield Giants captain on Leeds Rhinos clash: Let’s end 50 years of hurt
HUDDERSFIELD are ready to end 50 years of hurt at Headingley tonight.
That’s the message from upbeat captain Kevin Brown as the Giants look to return to the top of Super League XVI with a first win at Leeds since 1960.
The in-form Giants may have lost all 12 of their previous Super League visits to the Rhinos and not sampled success at Headingley since a 12-9 Yorkshire Cup semi-final triumph on October 7, 1960, but they have been installed as favourites for tonight’s eagerly-anticipated top-flight tussle.
While Huddersfield prepare for battle just a week after their comprehensive 29-10 home triumph over Warrington, stuttering Leeds are looking to recover from a bitterly-disappointing 38-28 defeat at Hull KR.
And while Brown knows the Giants can’t afford to take anything for granted (8.00), the inspirational half-back believes everything is in place to make tonight a historic occasion.
“We’re looking in great shape and we can’t wait to get out there.” said Brown.
“First and foremost, we want to win this game to show that the victory over Warrington was not a one-off. The challenge is to prove it was no fluke and that we are now capable of matching – and beating – the best on a regular basis.
“But we’re also aware the club’s record at Headingley hasn’t been that great over the years.
“We came really close last season, when we lost 21-20 after leading by six points with just a few minutes remaining. That shows we’re getting closer to them and that we’ll be in with a very good chance if we play to our potential.”
