AFTER finishing the first half of the season in a glorious second position in National II North, Huddersfield, not surprisingly, are sticking with the same squad for their opening game of 2012 tomorrow at Hull (2.00pm).
The only question mark over the 20-man squad is over who will fill the fifth substitute’s spot, with head coach Dan Hyde being forced into a spectating role for the next few weeks following an ankle operation before Christmas.
Taking out bone fragments and a troublesome spur have left the player-coach sidelined for the time being, but at least his absence will give someone else the chance of a spot on the bench.
“The lads have put in plenty of work over the Christmas period and everyone is desperate to start the New Year as we left off in the old one,” said Hyde.
“We definitely let ourselves down last year when we went over there (Hull won 34-0), but we were still building and not quite playing as a team back then.
“This time were are going there with the confidence and knowledge that we are now playing well as a team.
“We know very well that it will be a forwards-orientated game, especially on a heavy pitch, and we shall need a good performance to keep them at bay.
“They have a very big, tall pack, and we also know their strength is in using the catch and drive tactic, which we must guard against, and ensure we give them nothing, especially the chances of line-outs five yards out!
“Although we don’t have a ‘beanpole’ second rower, we do have several line-out options, and will be going there looking to repeat last season’s Yorkshire Cup final victory over them.”
There was very little to choose between the teams at Lockwood Park when they clashed in September, when three penalties from Chris Johnson sealed a narrow 9-7 win.
Huddersfield: Owen; Hall, Clark, L Paxman, Ryder; Johnson, Hinchliffe; Stringwell, Morrill, Battye, Rhodes, Hinchliff, Lewis, Hoyle, Sharpe. Subs: Davies, Entressengle, Duffy, Sutcliffe, tbc.
