Catapult stats tracker: Giant opener

Huddersfield Giants stars headlined the Catapult GPS metrics in the opening round of the new Betfred Super League season.

It was a lung-busting performance from Giants half-back Olly Russell who covered more distance than any other player in Round 1 (9.31 kilometres). Russell's halves partner and new recruit Adam Clune wasn't far behind after covering 9.23km on Friday Night.

Another new addition at the Giants this year, Elliot Wallis, topped the high-speed efforts charts in Round 1 - he hit a speed greater than the high-speed threshold of 25.2km/h nine times against Leigh. Wallis' Huddersfield teammate Kevin Naiqama and Catalans' Tom Johnstone also clocked nine high-speed sprints.

Welcome back, @LondonBroncosRL ?

Incredible improvisation for their first try of 2024 ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/UqEPGkBPma
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 16, 2024

Elsewhere in Round 1, London Broncos' Lee Kershaw hit the top speed across the weekend. Kershaw reached a speed of 32.42 km/h whilst chasing down a smart Oli Leyland grubber which led to a brilliant piece of ingenuity to record London's first try of the new season. 

R1 distance covered

1. Olly Russell (Giants) - 9311 metres

2. Adam Clune (Giants) - 9231 metres

3. Theo Fages (Dragons) - 9090 metres

R1 top speed

1. Lee Kerhaw (Broncos) - 32.42 km/h

2. Matty Ashton (Wolves) - 32.31 km/h

3. Niall Evalds (Robins) - 32.24 km/h

R1 high-speed efforts

1. Elliot Wallis (Giants) - 9

2. Kevin Naiqama (Giants) - 9

3. Tom Johnstone (Dragons) - 9