2023 Season Preview: Huddersfield Giants

The Giants made huge strides in 2022. A Betfred Challenge Cup Final appearance and third place finish in Betfred Super League is evidence that Ian Watson's philosophy is well and truly engrained in the side. But ultimately, they still fell short. A heart-breaking defeat in the Challenge Cup Final was followed by a disappointing exit from the Play-Offs at the first hurdle. 

Nevertheless, they have bolstered an already impressive squad as they look to build on their 2022 efforts. Signings such as Esan Marsters and three-time Super League Champion Kevin Naiqama, alongside the acquisition of Jake Connor will create even more competition across an exciting Giants backline. On paper, they have the squad capable of going all the way - and expectations will be high at the John Smith's Stadium in 2023. 

Are you ready for #SuperLeague 2023 with the Giants? ??
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) December 14, 2022

Ins & Outs

Ins

Esan Masters (Gold Coast Titans), Jake Bibby (Wigan Warriors), Jake Connor (Hull FC), Harvey Livett (Salford Red Devils), Kevin Naiqama (Sydney Roosters), Harry Rushton (Canberra Raiders), Sam Halsall (Wigan Warriors), Nathan Peats (Toulouse Olympique), Jack Bibby (Wigan Warriors)

Outs

Louis Senior (Hull KR),  Ricky Leutele (Leigh Leopards), Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors), Jack Cogger (Penrith Panthers), Danny Levi (released), Michael Lawrence (Bradford Bulls)

Ones to watch

2023 stars

Love him or loathe him, Jake Connor is a talent. He returns to the Giants in 2023 after six years at Hull FC - in that time he has won the Challenge Cup and became an England and Great Britain international. Connor finished the 2022 Super League season with more try assists than any other player - a staggering 33 assists in 20 games. He will add a new dimension to a Huddersfield attack that lacked a plan B at times last season. Ian Watson has plenty of options in the halves and at full back, but Connor is likely to feature regardless of where he plays - and he could be the x-factor the Giants need to battle for honours in 2023.

Our 1?? getting up to speed ?

Just over seven weeks to go: https://t.co/ulA4tTv0lP pic.twitter.com/o7kTpmcpSi
— Huddersfield Giants (@Giantsrl) January 4, 2023

2022 was an indifferent year for Theo Fages. The Frenchman managed to play just 15 games during his debut season at the Giants - a season inhibited by injury. France head coach Laurent Frayssinous made the call to leave Fages out of their World Cup squad to give the playmaker more time to recover from injuries which disrupted his 2022 campaign. That decision should pay dividends ahead of the new season - affording Fages more time to get back to his best and lead the Giants around the park in 2023. 

Next generation

Sam Halsall has joined Huddersfield ahead of the new season in a bid to kick start his career in Super League. Halsall left the Warriors during the off-season as part of a swap deal which saw Jake Wardle go in the opposite direction - a decision that could see Halsall improve on his eight league appearances in 2022. When he was given a chance at the Warriors last season, he didn't disappoint - Halsall scored five tries and set up five more during a busy eight appearances and has all the attributes to kick on at the Giants this season.

Defining dates

The Giants lost nine games in the 2022 regular season and eight of those were away from home. They made the John Smith's Stadium a fortress but struggled to emulate that form on the road. 

Next season, they face a run of away games that could define their season. Following a break for the Challenge Cup after their Round 15 trip to Warrington, the Giants face beaten 2022 Grand Finalists Leeds Rhinos away from home, backed up by a huge clash against Wigan Warriors before a trip to the South of France to take on the Dragons. 

It could be make or break for the Giants as they look to fix up their form on the road.

Squad list

1. Jake Connor, 2. Jermaine McGillvary, 3. Esan Marsters, 4. Kevin Naiqama, 5. Jake Bibby, 6. Tui Lolohea, 7. Theo Fages, 8. Chris Hill, 9. Nathan Peats, 10. Joe Greenwood, 11. Josh Jones, 12. Chris McQueen, 13. Luke Yates, 14. Ashton Golding, 15. Matty English, 16. Harry Rushton, 17. Owen Trout, 18. Seb Ikahihifo, 19. Adam O'Brien, 20. Oliver Wilson, 21. Leroy Cudjoe, 22. Harvey Livett, 23. Olly Russell, 24. Sam Halsall, 25. Innes Senior, 26. Nathan Mason, 27. Jack Ashworth, 28. George Roby, 29. Sam Hewitt, 30. Fenton Rogers, 31. Jack Bibby, 32. Will Pryce, 33. Kieran Rush, 34. Aidan McGowan