Fantasy League: Huddersfield Giants

Huddersfield started 2020 in red hot form but faltered away as the season progressed, missing out on a play-off spot after a string of losses at the end of the year.

The focus will be on new head coach Ian Watson as he takes charge of the Giants for the first time. Its been a busy off-season for the former Red Devils coach who has added some astute signings to his new squad, as he looks to challenge at the top in 2021. 

Top Performers

Jermaine McGillvary

2020 points: 577

The experienced McGillvary epitomises the modern-day winger – he is as capable leading the charge down the middle as he is at scoring eye-catching tries out wide. And his 2020 stats back that up. 

 McGillvary averaged over 1 clean break per game as well as having the highest number of carries across all wingers in Super League, making almost 2000 metres in the process. He also managed to cross for 9 tries in a season where the Giants struggled for points collectively as a team. 

Aidan Sezer

2020 points: 709

A Man of Steel finalist in 2020, Sezer had a stellar debut season at the Giants. Huddersfield struggled to score points last year, recording the second lowest points total in the league. A lack of points hindered Sezer’s fantasy scoring to a degree - but with more strike power around him as they head into the new season, it could be a favourable second year for the talismanic half.

Sezer recorded 18 try assists alongside his 7 tries in his first year with the Giants, as well as scoring high for total carries, showing the danger he poses with ball in hand. He also offers fantasy point-scoring potential through his goal-kicking responsibilities, adding to his already impressive skillset. 

Aidan Sezer is one of the reasons @GiantsRL are flying in #SuperLeague 2020 👊

We look back on their early season exploits 👉 https://t.co/kKO7tUrxxX pic.twitter.com/dMpwDyO78P
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 5, 2020

Luke Yates

2020 points: 1021

Yates has been a go to fantasy player since he arrived in Super League with London in 2019. A somewhat unknown prospect back then, Yates has cemented his place in many fantasy owner’s teams over the past two seasons with his unrelenting work rate in the middle third of the pitch. 

Following head coach Ian Watson to the Giants, you can expect big minutes and plenty of high-scoring performances from Yates. With a 63.8 points-per-game average and missing just 2 games during 2020 - he’s a must have for 2021. 

Michael Lawrence

2020 points: 1131

A fantastic year personally for Lawrence who topped the Super League tackle charts after a gruelling year with the Giants. His immense defensive efforts resulted in a significantly strong fantasy scoring year – Lawrence finishing fourth overall for the season.

Lawrence missed just one game in 2020 which contributed to his high-scoring fantasy total - a mammoth 749 points earned from tackles alone. That’s a guaranteed average of 47 points per game from Lawrence before any other points are considered – surely a banker for fantasy owners in 2021?

2020 Top try scorer: @leedsrhinos Ash Handley ???
2020 Top tackler: @Giantsrl's Michael Lawrence 💪#SuperLeagueAwards live on @SkySportsRL Mix today, 5.30pm#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/IXIgjl47j2
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 23, 2020

Josh Jones

2020 points: 336

Jones’ short stint at Hull FC will be one he’ll want to quickly forget as he heads for new pastures in 2021. Linking back up with former coach Ian Watson, Jones had the best year of his career at Salford in 2019. The backrower was integral to the Red Devils 2019 Grand Final squad - playing in 28 games and averaging 66.7 fantasy points per game.

Despite a disappointing 2020 for Jones who only managed 7 appearances for Hull FC, he still averaged a respectable 48 points per game. And he will be confident in getting back to his devastating best as he is reunited with Watson ahead of the new season.

One to Watch

Owen Trout

2020 points: 285 points

Ian Watson has assembled a formidable looking Giants pack which may inhibit Trout’s ability to play big minutes in 2021. The young forward averaged 47.5 points-per-game in 2020 and showed up well in the latter stages of the season, starting on the bench in each of those games.

If Trout can find more game time this season, he has shown he can score well and will provide a cheaper option in the forwards for fantasy owners.