Magic Preview: Giant Challenges

Bibby keen to cement place and kick on

Jake Bibby knew he would face a battle for a starting spot at Huddersfield Giants this year, and has no issue with the competition.

The former Wigan and Salford three-quarter was handed the number five shirt by coach Ian Watson, but has had to bide his time at different stages of the campaign so far.

And the 26-year-old wouldn't have it any other way.

"I've not played as many games as I would have liked, but that's all part of why I came to Huddersfield - the competition side of it," Bibby explains.

"We're stacked with class players in the backs - Esan Marsters and Kevin Naiqama, Leroy Cudjoe, Jermaine McGillvary, Sam Hallas, Ash Golding and Innes Senior.

"They are all top quality and you know you're going to get pushed to earn a spot in the team.

"When you get in you're expected to perform, and one time I didn't so I lost my place.

"Now it's up to me to keep the shirt every game. It's a tough and competitive sport and that competition is good for the team."

By Bibby's own admission, the Giants have fallen some way below pre-season expectations in Betfred Super League.

"Results so far have been below the standard that we thought they'd be at," Bibby says.

"We got a lot of press about what kind of team we were going to be and we signed some great players.

"Everyone's expectations were high after what the club did last year and that's what brought me to the club.

"When I played against Huddersfield it was always a high standard game and they did everything I like as a team.

"I've also worked with Watto (coach Ian Watson) before and know his values and what he wants from his players.

"We've not played as well as we'd like but I don't have any doubt at all that we can achieve something before the end of the year.

"We've proved that we can compete against the top teams in games against Wigan, Saints and Warrington - we need to do the things we've prided ourselves on and stick to the process."

Bibby knows Huddersfield will have to be at their best when they face St Helens again at Magic Weekend, an event he has always enjoyed even before becoming a Super League player.

"I've played against them many times before and everybody knows what they bring, they're just a top quality side," he adds.

"It's on a big stage and a big win against St Helens would put us back in the mix for being up there at the end of the year.

"I love the occasion of Magic Weekend - I went to a few growing up watching Wigan, and it's great to see everyone's friends and families together."

PLAYER IN FORM - CHRIS McQUEEN

Vastly experienced forward McQueen continues to be one of the most potent back rowers in Betfred Super League.

McQueen has enjoyed something of a late career renaissance at the Giants after joining them on an initially short-term deal in 2020 scoring tries at a rate many outside backs would be happy with.

The former Souths Gold Coast and Wests back rower is among the most consistent players in the competition and will relish the big stage of Magic Weekend.

ONE TO WATCH - HARRY RUSHTON 

The former Wigan junior was one of the most intriguing signings of the 2023 season having made his NRL debut with Canberra aged just 20.

Rushton cut short a three-year deal at the Raiders to link up with Huddersfield featuring for Ireland in the World Cup before joining the Giants.

He is seen as a key part of the long-term future by coach Ian Watson and has the ability to make a significant impact whether starting or featuring off the bench.

This article is taken from the Magic Weekend programme, copies of which can be ordered online via Curtis Sports. 

Tickets for Magic Weekend at St James' Park are available to purchase online via superleague.co.uk until Friday 2 June and on match day from the Stadium ticket office.