MATCH PREVIEW | LEEDS RHINOS | ROUND 8

Let's take an in-depth look at Leeds Rhinos, as we travel to AMT Headingley on Friday evening looking to overturn our recent record at the stadium.

THE STORY SO FAR 📖

It's back to Betfred Super League action for the Giants, as we look to begin to cement our place in the Top 6, as we currently sit in sixth place after two wins over London Broncos and Hull FC.

After our huge 06-34 win over in Perpignan, as we defeated Catalans Dragons, the Giants will travel to Leeds full of confidence, however this will be no easy game, as supporters and the players will be fully aware after our previous two trips to face the Rhinos.

Adam Swift will look to continue his try scoring form which has seen him skyrocket to the top scorer charts in the Super League with 8, however he also has five in the Challenge Cup, leaving him on 13 in all competitions.

The Giants have a number of sides that will be chasing that spot, with Salford and our opponents both on 8 points, the same as Huddersfield and only below us on points difference.

THE OPPOSITION 🦏

Leeds Rhinos were last defeated by Warrington Wolves, and had three wins and one defeat in Super League during may, the highlight their hard fought victory over Catalans Dragons, in which they showed how well they can play and their credentials to be a team fighting within the top 6 in 2024.

However, last time out the levels weren't reached as Sam Burgess' Wire dominated the side, and comfortably ran out 8-34 winners on the evening.

They made headlines within the summer with the double signing of Salford stars Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers, the latter have posted impressive numbers since signing, as shown in our Opta Stats Pack below, with Croft high in the try assisting charts, and he'll be looking to add to this tally on Friday evening.

One player who has shone for the Rhinos this season is Ash Handley, however he wont be appearing on Friday night, after he suffered an injury which has ruled him out of this game, Leeds will look to welcome back David Fusitua'a to their ranks, the powerful winger impressed the Headingley faithful in 2023, as Leeds defeated Huddersfield 54-0.

Rohan Smith also confirmed on Wednesday that James Bentley and Tom Holroyd will also miss the game on Friday, both due to concussion protocols.

Giants fans will also recognise a familiar face within Rohan Smith's side, in Matt Frawley, the former player signed for the club during the off-season from Canberra Raiders as Smith looked to rebuild his spine and did, with numerous signings, they now have a new look team which is still taking time to gel.

Here, is the 'Opta Stats Pack' for this week's match-up. 📈

● The home team on the day has won each of the last five Super League meetings between Leeds Rhinos

and Huddersfield Giants, with three wins for the Rhinos and two for the Giants during that time – five of

the last 10 meetings between these sides have been decided by margins of a single point or less.

● Leeds Rhinos have won three of their last five Super League matches (L2), however, both of their losses

during that period have come at home, while Huddersfield Giants have won each of their last three away

games by margins of 20+ points.

● Huddersfield Giants (76.3%) and Leeds Rhinos (76.4%) have two of the three lowest set completion rates

of any sides in this season’s Super League, however, the Giants actually had the highest set completion

rate of any side during the most recent round of fixtures (89.5%).

● Only Sam Davis (47) made more tackles during the most recent round of Super League fixtures than

Leeds Rhinos’ Cameron Smith (44) – Smith has also made the third most tackles overall of any player in

the league this term (271), while teammate Andy Ackers has made the fourth most (259).

● Huddersfield Giants’ Adam Swift is the top try scorer in this season’s Super League (8), while Leeds

Rhinos’ Brodie Croft has directly assisted the joint-most tries of any player in the league this term (9, also

Marc Sneyd).

WHO TO WATCH 👀

• Cameron Smith - The towering loose forward is a mainstay in the Rhinos team, and is always within the top five top tacklers in Super League.
• Brodie Croft - The headline signing for Leeds in the summer has already racked up eight try assists, continuing where he left off for Salford.
• Harry Newman - The elusive centre will look to continue his good form this season against the Giants, another young talent the Rhinos posses.

TICKETING INFORMATION 🎟️

Tickets are on-sale online, from the Ticket Office and over the phone by calling 01484 484159 until 3:00pm on Friday 19th April, you can purchase tickets on the day from the Rhinos ticket office, however the prices do rise, so we advise you book in advance.

SQUAD NEWS 💪

Ian Watson has selected his 21-Man Squad, Jack Murchie misses out this week, after a slight injury sustained in France has seen him drop out, however Olly Wilson is back in a boost to the Giants pack.

Wils has been one of the top performers in 2024, and is a crucial member to the Giants middle.

LUKE ROBINSON & JOE GREENWOOD PREVIEW 🗣️

Luke Robinson and Joe Greenwood sat down with the media on Thursday to discuss the upcoming game vs Leeds Rhinos, you can watch the interview by clicking below.

WATCH HERE!

WHAT KIT WILL WE WEAR AT AMT HEADINGLEY RUGBY STADIUM? 🔵

The Giants are back in the blue and grey kit for this game at the home of the Rhinos, with ourselves looking to secure another two points.

HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE GAME 👇

Giants club social media accounts will also keep supporters updated, with team news, picture and video content during the build up and then match updates throughout the game, the main hub for this is X (Formerly Twitter). Follow us on: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Highlights will be available on our YouTube channel 24 Hours after the game, alongside a Full-Match replay on GiantsTV for subscribers to enjoy.

Sky Sports subscribers can watch it live on Sky Sports Action (7:30PM), as can SuperLeague+ subscribers – Members can save £30 on an annual SuperLeague+ pass, sign up here.