Davy calls on fans to support Claret & Gold

Giants Chairman has called on the people of Huddersfield to get behind the Giants tomorrow against rivals Leeds

Ken Davy is delighted to have taken maximum returns from the Giants opening Super League game, and hails the 32-12 win as a tremendous achievement for the whole club, as the club looks forward to its West Yorkshire Derby against Leeds Rhinos, tomorrow at 3pm.

"It's always good to have our first match under our belt and take the two points. It was a tremendous achievement from all the players and the club. There was a lot of hard-work going in over pre-season by the coaching staff, led by Simon Woolford and it showed on the field."

"Too many times we've fallen at the first hurdle, so to come back in 2020 and achieve a victory is excellent for everyone involved. There won't be too many teams that will travel to the South of France and come back with the two points."

Davy was particularly pleased with the fluidity of the team, with the half-back combination of Lee Gaskell, the reigning Wagstaff Trophy winner and 2019 NRL Grand Finalist Aidan Sezer combining excellently to chalk up 12 points created and 16 points scored over the course of the club's first 80 minutes. 

"It was especially encouraging to see the whole team gel, particularly Aidan Sezer and Lee Gaskell. They built some great attacking play for the whole team to work off and the team looked to have some excellent fluidity with the ball"

The Giants Chairman also praised Jermaine McGillvary, who scored twice against the Dragons in an excellent showing on the first game of his testimonial year, but was disappointed at the fractured eye socket suffered from Jake Wardle after a promising pre-season.  

"Finally, it was excellent to see our hometown boy Jermaine McGillvary get on the score-sheet twice on the night, re-enforcing the impact he is likely to have in this, his testimonial year."

"It was very unfortunate, however, to hear of the injury to our centre Jake Wardle. He sustained a fracture to his eye socket, which is obviously a big disappointment but what we are hearing, he is not likely to be out for too long."

Davy also hailed the launch of GiantsTV, which allowed the clubs supporters who missed the trip to see special features around the game and a full match replay - crucial for the club supporters who were unable to watch the game live. 

"Giants TV is gaining excellent momentum in pre-season and was a great way for fans to experience the club's strong performance against Catalans and we are delighted to be able to bring people closer to the action than ever before."

With attention turning to the club's 2020 Home Opener, a massive West Yorkshire Derby, Davy knows the occasion is a hugely exciting time for Giants fans and the people of Huddersfield alike after the opening day win. 

"Now our attention turns to the next game - a massive clash against the Old Enemy, Leeds Rhinos, tomorrow at 3pm. It promises to be a very exciting fixture for both sets of supporters. It's also our first home match of the 2020 Super League season, which makes the event doubly exciting for the people of Huddersfield."

"Like everyone in the competition, Leeds have strengthened over the off-season, increasing the interest and attraction of the fixture to the rival set of supporters."

"I remember a game at Headingley five or six years ago: when after an error ridden start we knuckled down and got the victory in what was a very memorable game for me. In our Super League history, we have had some great victories over the Rhinos both here at the John Smith's Stadium and at Headingley."

On the 2019 fixture, in which the Giants suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Rhinos in front of the home fans, he has been clear - it must not be repeated. 

"However last year, the Rhinos inflicted a heavy and demoralising defeat - something we must ensure never happens again."

On his hopes for the new year, Davy maintains that the sky is the limit for a squad with a strong squad with a good blend of experience, like McGillvary, Laurence, Jordan Turner and new signings Aidan Sezer, James Gavet and Kenny Edwards, and the exciting crop of young players that broke through in 2019. 

"We're optimistic for this year, following that first win we're hoping to keep up the momentum in the next few years. If we do that, who knows what this squad can achieve. We have a great combination of maturity, youth and enthusiasm. We have strong leadership within the team, a great back office and a coaching staff led by Simon that we're all behind. Strap yourselves in for another great season of Super League."

Finally, Davy called on the people of Huddersfield to support their hometown team against their fierce rivals, this Sunday at 3:00pm at the John Smith's Stadium. It couldn't be tastier, he maintains. 

"We've kicked off with a win in a tough match against Catalans, probably the toughest away trip you can face in Super League. We now move on to our first home game with a tie that couldn't be tastier - it promises to be a great atmosphere in the John Smith Stadium for a game with our fierce rivals Leeds."

"Certainly Leeds will bring strong support from along the M62, so I'm calling on the people of Huddersfield to get behind their hometown team as we take on the Old Enemy - we need your support."