The Bradford Bulls pre-season clash will underline just how strong competition for places will be in the 2015 Giants’ squad.
That’s the view of Huddersfield head coach Paul Anderson as his club begins the countdown to the new Super League season.
Even though rehabilitation trio Scott Grix (shoulder), Michael Lawrence (wrist) and Kyle Wood (knee) are ruled out for next Sunday’s trip to the Odsal Stadium and England international Brett Ferres could be held back for the following week’s trial clash at Halifax, the Giants still have a very strong squad at their disposal.
And Anderson knows that bodes well for his club’s Super League 2015 campaign, which gets under way at home to Hull FC on Sunday, February 8.
“We now have genuine competition in every single place, especially in the key positions,” said Anderson.
“That should certainly be reflected in the trial games we’ll be playing, when the players know how much will be at stake.
“From one to 13, it’s going to be an interesting battle, with nothing decided at this stage.
“Starting at full-back, Grixy’s got the No1 shirt, but that doesn’t guarantee him anything. Aaron Murphy finished last season there, while Jake Connor has also played well in the spot.
“We’ve got three top-quality wingers in Jermaine McGillvary, Jodie Broughton and Murph, who we also know won’t let anyone down in the centres if we need him to for cover for Joe Wardle and Leroy Cudjoe. On top of that, Jack Hughes can play there, although I’m loathe to play him in that position because I’ve brought him in from Wigan to play in the back row.
“And we’ve got Jamie Ellis from Castleford to put pressure on Danny Brough, Kyle Wood and Luke Robinson in the halves and Shaun Lunt and Kruise Leeming at hooker. For Kruise, in particular, we’re expecting a bit more out of him because he’s another year further on.
“The competition is just as fierce in the pack, with any combination possible.
“I think we’ve got a good mix of youth and experience up front, and I’m looking for some of the younger fellas, in particular, to step things up. This is the time for the likes of Josh Johnson to go and have a big year.
“We’re certainly hoping we’ll learn a few more things about this group at Bradford next weekend.
“It promises to be a very good test for us.”
The Bulls are also promising to name a strong squad for next weekend’s clash, although coach James Lowes will obviously wait until after his side’s trip to Castleford Tigers on Sunday for former prop Andy Lynch’s testimonial match before planning to welcome the Giants.
