Stats breakdown: the impeccable Giants

When Ian Watson took over at Huddersfield Giants in 2021, expectations were high. Watson’s CV spoke for itself – he had turned an under-performing Salford team into Grand Finalists and Challenge Cup Finalists – and did so with limited resources.

His move to Huddersfield was met with excitement and many expected the Giants to compete straight from the off, but that didn’t happen. Huddersfield stuttered their way through the 2021 Betfred Super League campaign, losing their first four matches and finishing in an underwhelming ninth place.

One thing remained a constant though – and that was Ian Watson’s unwavering attitude that his side would come good if they trusted his processes. Fast forward to the present and with the help of some astute signings, alongside an existing group of players that had the trust of Watson, he has propelled the Giants into the top four. Their Challenge Cup Final appearance last month is testament to the club’s turnaround and they’re slowly becoming genuine league contenders under the watchful eye of Watson.

Ian Watson has been named May @Betfred Coach of the Month ??#SuperLeague
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 1, 2022

So, where do the Giants stand out? First of all, Ian Watson’s side are immensely disciplined and patient in their attack. We’ve become accustomed to Huddersfield’s workman like approach at looking after the ball going forward, completing high and turning the ball over on their terms. And the stats back it up.

No team has completed more sets than Huddersfield. They’ve completed 517 of their 626 sets - 38 more than the next closest team and 60 more than the competition average. That means that they get to their last tackle option better than any other side and turn the ball over on their terms, rather than handing over possession through errors or penalties. In fact, they’ve made the least amount of errors so far this season. Their conservative approach is admirable and takes an immense level of discipline and buy in from the entire playing group.

Because of that, they keep hold of the ball for longer periods in games and strangle their opponents of possession. Huddersfield average 53.33 percent possession per game – again more than any other team – meaning they have significantly more of the ball going forward, affording them ample opportunity to put points on the board. Compare that to 2021 and this Huddersfield side is almost unrecognisable - the Giants had the second worst average possession across the competition last season. It comes as no surprise then that Huddersfield's wealth of possession has also resulted in them dominating the metres made and carries charts so far this year too.  

GIANT win 👊#SuperLeague #SLHudLee pic.twitter.com/DhCf8jaAC4
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 10, 2022

Whether it’s scoring points or building pressure, Ian Watson’s side have also drastically improved their attack close to the opponents try line. In 2022, no other side has forced more goal line dropouts than Huddersfield. Conversely, they were the second worst side at forcing dropouts last year, just ahead of the relegated Leigh Centurions. Huddersfield’s improvement in building pressure, slowly breaking their opponents down and playing the game in their opponents half has been a huge benefactor to their improved league position, as well as helping them score the fourth most points in the competition whilst conceding the third least.

Spending more time with the ball in hand will inevitably mean that players are fresher when they defend. And that certainly rings true at Huddersfield. The Giants have missed less tackles and made less ineffective tackles - i.e. failing to complete a tackle - than any other team. The philosophies that Ian Watson has embedded throughout the playing group are evidently benefitting both their attack and defence. Each player is taking responsibility to do their job, make their tackles and take pride in every aspect of their game. The Giants aren't just building pressure through their measured attack, but through their disciplined and absorbing defence. They are strangling their opponents of possession and field position, which ultimately reduces their chances to score points.  

Work rate 📈

Ashton Golding covered 10,017 metres during @Giantsrl's Round 11 win, more than any other player so far this season ??#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/tmKFuJmVjM
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 4, 2022

Of course, stats don’t always paint the full picture. Despite Huddersfield’s dominance across so many areas, they’re still chasing the top three. Whether it’s St Helens’ ruthless excellence, Catalans’ star quality or Wigan’s game-breaking superstars, success can be measured in different ways. 

But Huddersfield are certainly on the right track and it’s clear that Ian Watson's philosophy is having the desired effect on his Huddersfield players. It’s a long way to Old Trafford but the Giants are firmly in the race to make a maiden voyage to the Theatre of Dreams.