HUDDERSFIELD Giants will be backed by over 9,000 fans for their opening Super League game of the season.

And with visitors Leeds Rhinos expected to bring around 4,000 fans to the Galpharm on Sunday (3.00), a new Giants’ home Super League record is ready to be set.

Huddersfield’s current best is 12,417 for the club’s first game in Super League against Bradford Bulls on April 3, 1998.

But with 9,000 Huddersfield tickets having already been sold, that mark will be smashed this weekend.

Such has been the demand for the contest that the club will open all four sides of the ground for the first time, with managing director Richard Thewlis hoping this is a sign of things to come.

“I have never known a buzz around the place as big as this one as we get closer to a season’s opener,” said Thewlis.

“The phones are ringing, the new online ticketing facility is proving popular, the windows have been doing brisk business and, on top of that, we’re still selling season tickets. For the first time, all areas of the ground will be open, including the upper tier, so we are opening the gates at 1.45 – which is earlier than usual – to avoid congestion at the turnstiles.

“Leeds have requested more tickets today, so the signs are that they will bring around 4,000 fans, and it’s vital we massively outnumber and outshout them.

“I want us to kick our season off with a Super League attendance that will blow away any misconceptions of our club and catapult us in the eyes of the watching world to a new high.

“The matchday package has been revamped and includes an X-Factor finalist, music, new cheerleaders, fireworks and fun for all.

“Personally, I can’t wait to experience it and share it with thousands of claret and gold fans on Sunday.”

Although this will be the Giants first game of the season, Leeds opened their campaign with a 20-12 home win over Hull KR last Saturday.

And the good news for the Rhinos is that skipper Kevin Sinfield has been cleared to play after he was found guilty of a careless tackle during the Robins clash.