FORWARD domination could be the key to tonight's Giants v Wildcats clash at Belle Vue.

Looking at the respective squads, Huddersfield seem to hold a big advantage in the backs.

But it's in the forwards where the crunch will come.

The Wildcats always have their fair share of aces in the pack, with New Zealand Tri-Nations star David Solomona and prop Michael Korkidas never taking a backward step.

Huddersfield, too, have their fair share of strong forwards, with the likes of big Eorl Crabtree and Stuart Jones expected to take a major lead.

However, many eyes will fall on the performances of Huddersfield's four former Wakefield forwards.

They are props Paul Jackson and Wayne McDonald, hooker Paul March and second-rower Steve Snitch, who arrived at the Galpharm from the Wildcats at the end of last season.

Experienced front-rowers McDonald and Jackson, in particular, will carry a lot of weight on their shoulders.

With Jim Gannon sidelined for at least six more weeks following knee surgery, they must continue to take a great deal of responsibility up front.

And tonight, the 6ft 7in McDonald is willing to take that lead and is aiming to produce a big game against a club where he has some very fond memories.

The 30-year-old joined Wakefield in the summer of 1993 after playing junior rugby for Middleton and Hunslet Parkside before heading off to join Hull after the 1999 season.

But the player who has since worn the colours of St Helens, Leeds and Wigan (on loan), remains grateful for the solid grounding Wakefield gave him in the 13-a-side code.

"There weren't many frills at Trinity, but they were a good solid club with great support and a solid team spirit," he reflected.

"I had a few different offers when I was turning pro, but Wakefield had always had the reputation of bringing on young players and giving them a chance in the first team.

"I enjoyed my time there very much, but it's well in the past now, and all I'm thinking about these days is playing my part in helping Huddersfield Giants realise their potential by becoming a big success.

"I've been back to Belle Vue with a number of clubs over the years, so I know what to expect.

"But we'll be ready. We want to get back to winning ways.

"I'm lucky because I've played for three of the biggest clubs in the British game, but the Giants have the potential to be up there with them, particularly with Jon Sharp in charge.

"I knew from my time at Wakefield what an excellent coach Jon was.

"He has served his time as an assistant and is doing a great job here.

"Everything at Huddersfield Giants is geared to success, and I want to continue to be a part of it.

"They have an owner who really cares about sport in the town and the coach has put together a squad which has talent and real team spirit.

"Hopefully, that will shine through again tonight."

Scotland international McDonald first met up with Sharp in the mid-1990s when the Giants head coach became Andy Kelly's right-hand man at Belle Vue.

In that time they shared some great moments together, most notably at the then-McAlpine in 1998, when he helped Wakefield beat arch-rivals Featherstone in the First Division Grand Final.

The 24-22 success paved the way to Wakefield's successful entry into Super League.

"Everyone wrote us off, but Andy Kelly and Jon Sharp put together a good strong pack and we surprised quite a few sides, not least St Helens in a game at Barnsley," he said.

"That's when I came to appreciate what a forward-thinking coach Jon was.

"I know everything is in place for us to have a great season, with a win tonight putting us on the right track!"