It promises to be the biggest home game in Huddersfield Giants’ Super League history.
All being well, coach Paul Anderson’s men will head into the John Smith’s Stadium clash against Wakefield on Sunday, September 1 having won at London Broncos this afternoon.
That would mean the Giants would go into the game against the Wildcats 15 days later needing a win against their West Yorkshire rivals to lift the Super League Leaders Shield for the first time in the club’s history.
It would also be the first time in 81 years Huddersfield had finished a season at the top of the table.
As a result, that should guarantee a bumper Stadium attendance, with fans having the chance to witness something extra special.
And a big turn-out would be the least the Giants deserve after proving the most consistent side in Super League XVIII so far in 2013.
In a season of almighty highs, the one major low has been the size of the home crowds, but that surely has to change for such a potentially historic fixture.
It’s something the Giants players themselves are already thinking about, with Huddersfield-born winger Jermaine McGillvary admitting massive claret and gold backing on the day would be the icing on the cake.
“We try not to think too much about how many fans are in the stands cheering us on,” said McGillvary.
“What we do know is that the fans who get behind us are absolutely fantastic, but we’d obviously like there to be more of them.
“Because I’m Huddersfield born and bred I’m extremely proud of what we’re achieving at the Giants.
“And I’ve noticed when I’m walking around town how many more people are recognising me now.
“They’re seeing a lot of us on television and are wishing us the best of luck for the games we’ve got ahead of us.
“It would be amazing to think that instead of watching us on TV against Wakefield they’d all come down to watch us live at the stadium and help generate an atmosphere to match the occasion.
“The DW Stadium was buzzing for our game at Wigan last Friday and it brought the best out of us.
“If we could get close to something like that it would be massive.”
To mark what promises to be an extra-special day, Giants officials are in the process of putting together an off-the-field programme to match the action on the pitch.
Already confirmed is a Junior Amateur Club celebration, with pre-match curtain-raiser and half-time events.
There will also be enhanced pre-match activities in the stadium, while there will be raffles with the chance to win a 2014 season ticket.
On top of that, there are special ‘The Race is On’ prices available to encourage more fans to watch the Giants’ final title push.
Tickets are available in advance from the stadium priced at £15 for the Direct Golf and Britannia Rescue Stand and £10 for the Fantastic Media Lower. It’s just £5 for 12 to 16-year-olds and free for Under 12s.
