Local hero Paul Reilly can’t wait to play a part in Huddersfield Giants’ designated Heritage Game against Warrington Wolves at the John Smith’s Stadium tomorrow.

Several activities to celebrate 120 years of rugby league will take place during the big Super League clash, with over 70 ex-players ready to take centre stage.

Those who have accepted an invite span a half-century of action for the famous claret and gold club, with players from the 1960s right up to David Faiumu, whose last season for Huddersfield was in 2014.

The former stars will be mingling with the fans before and after the top-flight clash, as well as taking part in a half-time parade around the stadium pitch.

And former full-back Reilly can’t wait to celebrate the big day with his hometown club.

“This will be a great occasion for the club and I can’t wait!” said Reilly.

“I’m looking forward to catching up with some old friends and having a beer with some of the players I spent so many great times with. I’m buzzing about it, and I’m sure it’ll bring back some very happy memories.

“When I put on the Huddersfield shirt it meant so much to me because I was representing my hometown club, and I might not have played for England if I hadn’t played for my hometown club for so long.

“ I’m very proud to be a part of the club and what they’ve achieved in the game.

“I still class myself as a ‘fan’ of the Giants and like to see them play whenever I can, so I’m really looking forward to seeing them take on Warrington and hopefully get the win.

“I thought we were going to beat Wigan last week, but it wasn’t to be, so it’s more important we find the right response this weekend.

“We’ve got some tough games coming up, and even though we’ve a few injuries at the moment I know we have the squad to keep on picking up the wins.”

Reilly was also keen to heap praise on 19-year-old full-back Jared Simpson, who made a stunning tryscoring Super League debut against Wigan last weekend.

“I played alongside his uncle Darren for the Giants years back, and it’s turned out he has the same squad number (30), which is ironic,” added Reilly.

“The whole family have got a great attitude towards the game, and in general just are really nice people.

“I knew good things would come from Jared but he has to keep working hard and he’s definitely going in the right direction, I was talking to his dad (former Bradford Northern star Roger) at the weekend and he was really proud of him.”

The full list of former players who will be at the stadium tomorrow are listed below:

1960s: Bob Mitchell, Martin Calvert, Ian Van Bellen, Frank Davies, Bob Tomlinson, Mick Major, Malcolm Branch, Graham Naylor, Mick Chamberlain, Trevor Chawner, Bob Valentine, Chris Forster, Steve Marshall, Stuart Haigh, Mick Wolfenden.

1970s: Derek Wroe, Tony Johnson, Joe Cyrus, Eddie Barton, Frank Hutton, Tony Booth, Trevor Doyle, Graham Evans, Billy Pickup, Mick Shepard, Andy Wilson, Peter Jarvis, Peter Cramp, Stan McHugh, Terry Brearley, Mick Blacker, Steve Mullaney, Gordon Pritchard, Dave Hooson, Graham Taylor, Tommy Nelmes, Steve Lyons, Mick Murphy, Mick White, Ian Freeman, Graham Thornton.

1980s: Graham Swales, Ian Thomas, Paul Dixon, Phil Huck, Gary Senior, Jimmy Lee, Mark Eastwood, Simon Kenworthy, Lee St Hilaire, Ian Slater, Frank Simpson, Alan Greenwood, Colin Harris, Joe Naidole, David Oates, Brian Blacker.

1990s: Paul Reilly, Simon Reynolds, Chris Coop, Johnny Lawless, Johnny Moore, Paul Royston, Martin Maders, Damon Scholes, Joe Berry, Abraham Phillips, James Moseley, Richard Pearson.

2000s: Andy Raleigh, David Faiumu, Darren Fleary, Jeff Wittenberg, Nick Fozzard, Marcus St Hilaire.