EXCITED Huddersfield Giants officials are keeping their fingers crossed that they can attract their first five-figure Super League crowd for seven years.
Not since their opening top-flight clash against Bradford Bulls on April 3, 1998 when 12,417 packed into the stadium have the Giants recorded a 10,000-plus attendance.
But there are high hopes that this could change tomorrow when world club champions Leeds arrive in town.
The Rhinos are confidently predicting that around 5,000 of their fans will be making the trip.
And with almost 5,000 Huddersfield supporters having turned out for the opening Galpharm clash against Hull a fortnight ago, the signs are promising.
The continuing wintry weather could prove the biggest obstacle this weekend.
But Giants officials believe they have put together a programme of pre-match activities that will warm the hearts of all those inside the stadium.
These include special attractions to coincide with Mother's Day, including a special mother's goody bag for the first 50 entering the Lawrence Batley Family Stand.
"We were delighted with the way the pre-match activities were received for the Hull game," said Giants marketing officer Jonathan Wilkinson.
"But we are confident it will be even better this time around.
"For a start, we've pulled off a major coup with Pop Idol finalist Jade Hewitt agreeing to front-up the pre-match programme.
"We can now also confirm we have secured the services of Steve Long, the Great Britain International Series compere, for the season.
"He'll be whipping the crowd into a frenzy in the build-up to kick-off, and will be giving away a whole host of prizes, including the new Bridget Jones DVD, courtesy of HMV.
"Added to this, we have assigned this game as `Ladies Day', with the Mother's Day goody bags a major attraction.
"Inside these are lots of money-off vouchers, coupons and small presents, including hair discounts, seven-day gym passes, cuddly toys and chocolates.
"And we would also urge fans to try to enter the ground early as the Giants are planning to unveil their new lean and mean mascot at the game, which is something not to be missed by Big G fans!
"All in all, it should be another fantastic occasion."
