FORMER Giants prop Darrell Griffin will make his Leeds Rhinos debut in the traditional Boxing Day clash against Wakefield at Headingley.

Griffin has been named in a 17-man squad to face the Wildcats, who have named 19 players, including ex-Giants half-back Kyle Wood.

But not included in the Wakefield side for new coach Richard Agar are fellow former Huddersfield men Andy Raleigh and Danny Kirmond, who are recovering from major knee and shoulder surgery respectively.

The Leeds-Wakefield West Yorkshire derby is one of five Boxing Day fixtures, with the traditional Heavy Woollen derby between Dewsbury and Batley also taking place.

This year’s clash takes place at Dewsbury’s Tetley’s Stadium, and to avoid any potential postponement, the Rams have borrowed ground covers from Castleford Tigers.

Last year’s game at Mount Pleasant was called off due to heavy frost, and with the fixture always attracting a bumper crowd, Dewsbury have done everything possible to avoid any potential repeat.

Both clubs are expected to field several new signings, with the Rams looking to give former Giants prop Nick Fozzard a first run-out.

But for the Bulldogs, much of the focus will be on former Giants chief John Kear, who is taking charge of Batley for the first time.

The Giants’ pre-season fixture programme doesn’t get under way until Friday, January 13 when Nathan Brown’s men make the trip to fellow Super League side Castleford.

Huddersfield then travel to Wigan Warriors six days later for Sean O’Loughlin’s testimonial game, before heading to Batley on January 22 and visiting Halifax a week later.

York fans who receive a City Knights away shirt for Christmas may have to return them straight away, after a spelling mistake was spotted on the kit.

The Championship club, who are now coached by former Giants captain Chris Thorman, says kit manufacturer Centurion has accepted blame for the fault, which sees the sponsor name written as ‘Castle Furntiture’!