2024 Season Preview: Huddersfield Giants

Many predicted Huddersfield would become genuine contenders in 2023. On paper, their squad looked capable of challenging for a Play-Off spot - but things failed to materialise and led to head coach Ian Watson coming under scrutiny mid-way through the season.

A slight late resurgence meant their Super League status was never in threat, but it was too little too late for any hopes of a top six finish, leaving fans and pundits disappointed that their expectations had not been met.

But another strong recruitment drive in the off-season means that the Giants will not want to disappoint this time out, and Ian Watson's men will be determined to right their wrongs from last year, as they aim to compete with the clubs at and around the top of the Betfred Super League table in 2024.

How nice is it training in the sun again? ?#GiantsInSpain ?? pic.twitter.com/0Nm4PX3tBq
— Huddersfield Giants ?? (@Giantsrl) January 8, 2024

Ins & outs

Ins

Adam Swift, Andre Savelio (both Hull FC), Adam Clune (Newcastle Knights), Tom Deakin (Sydney Roosters), Hugo Salabio (Wakefield Trinity), Jack Murchie (Parramatta Eels), Elliot Wallis (Castleford Tigers), Connor Carr (Signed Professional Contract from Reserves).

Adam Clune in the Claret and Gold. ?#CowbellArmy?? pic.twitter.com/U0PiDJvfS1
— Huddersfield Giants ?? (@Giantsrl) January 25, 2024

Outs

Jermaine McGillvary (Wakefield Trinity), Owen Trout (Leigh Leopards), Jack Ashworth (Hull FC), Theo Fages (Catalans Dragons), George Roby (Swinton Lions), Will Pryce (Newcastle Knights), Adam O'Brien (Halifax Panthers), Innes Senior (Castleford), Josh Jones, Nathan Mason, Nathan Peats, Chris McQueen (all retirement).

Ones to watch

2024 stars

The Giants have snapped up Hull FC duo Adam Swift and Andre Savelio ahead of the 2024 campaign and Swift is no stranger to scoring tries, with a staggering 120 in 173 Super League appearances to date. He also became the Black and Whites' top try-scorer last season with 19 tries, as well as their top metre maker, so is expected to bring his speed and skill - and hopefully continue his fine form of eye-catching tries that have been witnessed throughout his career.

Another addition to the Giants squad will be second-rower Jack Murchie from the NRL, who is seen as a direct replacement for the retiring Chris McQueen. These are recognisably big boots to fill with ever-present McQueen sitting at the top of Huddersfield's stats in 2023, having played the most minutes and being their second highest try-scorer. But Murchie will be determined to make a solid impact this year after limited first team game time at Paramatta Eels - and his strength, pace and 6'4 height means he could be a great asset for the Giants in 2024.

Next generation

One rising star to look out for is 20-year-old Kieran Rush, who featured for the Giants once last season when he made his home debut in the halves against Leigh Leopards. He has been with the Giants since scholarship and spent most of his career on loan to lower league clubs. Dedicated and looking to achieve big things with Huddersfield in 2024, he has already broken records in his short professional career when he became the player who registered Jamacia's first ever points in their maiden Rugby League World Cup campaign and has been highly praised for his kicking ability and work rate attributes.

Rush committed a long-term contract mid-way through the 2023 season, which keeps him at the Giants until at least 2026 - meaning there is a lot of potential where this youngster is concerned, and fans will hopefully get to see him flourish in the upcoming season and embed himself into the first team.

Defining dates

A ninth place finish will not suffice for the Giants in 2024, but if they are to achieve a top six finish, they will have to ensure consistency throughout the campaign.

Despite a late consistent spell during the latter stages of 2023 - which gave them a glimmer of hope for the play-offs - this could not make up for the "terrible beginning" as head coach Ian Watson described, for the damage had already been firmly done.

The Giants will kickstart their season with a trip to the Leigh Sports Village in Round 1 - the perfect opportunity to test themselves against last year's Betfred Challenge Cup winners. Although arguably, the biggest test of the season for Ian Watson's men will be in the months of March and April, when the Giants are away on the road, six out of seven times. Only two of these teams were top six finishers in 2023 however, so the Giants will have to look to capitalise when and where they can.

May then sees a series of home fixtures for the Giants, and it is crucial that they build the momentum here, as these early months could ultimately define how the rest of their 2024 campaign plays out.

Squad list

1. Jake Connor, 2. Adam Swift, 3. Esan Marsters, 4. Kevin Naiqama, 5. Jake Bibby, 6. Tui Lolohea, 7. Adam Clune, 8. Chris Hill, 9. Adam Milner, 10. Joe Greenwood, 11. Jack Murchie, 12. Sam Hewitt, 13. Luke Yates, 14. Ash Golding, 15. Matty English, 16. Harry Rushton, 17. Olly Wilson, 18. Seb Ikahihifo, 19. Thomas Deakin, 20. Elliot Wallis, 21. Leroy Cudjoe, 22. Harvey Livett, 23. Olly Russell, 24. Sam Halsall, 25. Fenton Rogers, 26. Hugo Salabio, 27. Kieran Rush, 28. Jack Bibby, 29. Jack Billington, 30. Aidan McGowan, 31. Connor Carr, 32. George Flanagan, 33. Andre Savelio.