Bethan Oates: We know we're building something special

Captain Bethan Oates has been with Huddersfield Giants since the beginning and is ready for her side to take that next step up heading into this year's new-looking Women's Super League.

Having remained loyal to the Giants Women since 2019, Oates has achieved 50 career appearances, becoming the first player to do so for the West Yorkshire side.

Recognising this impressive feat, Oates, who recently signed a professional contract with the Super League side, was honoured to have etched herself in club history:

"I'm a local lass, I'm from Thornhill, so there was already a pre-existing appreciation for the Giants," Oates admitted, who has been through a remarkable journey with Rugby League.

"To be able to say that I am the captain of the Women's team and the first person to reach 50 appearances is a huge honour and hasn't been lost on me.

"We've been through some ups and downs, but the main thing is sticking together, which is why I've spent the past five seasons here."

As the eagerly-awaited Women's Super League kick-starts on Friday night, Oates is hoping the Giants can reach new heights.

The Giants were promoted to Group 1 of the Women's Super League in 2021, following a hard fought 22-24 victory over Featherstone Rovers in the Shield Final. Ever since, they have been adjusting to life in the top tier, finishing 5th and 6th in back-to-back seasons.

But having completely rebuilt their side for a revamped eight-team league in 2024, Oates has outlined the goals both herself and her club have set for the short and long-term future:

"I'm looking forward to going out with a set of girls I have real confidence in. There's a buzz in the camp this year and we know we're building something special.

"We want to be performing at the high standard, which is set by the top three, so to have this squad behind us really fills me as a leader with the confidence to do so."

The off-season has seen the Huddersfield Giants Women revamp for 2024, as their team moved from being run by the club's charitable arm, to the main Huddersfield Giants Club, as they look to increase support for the side.

They have also appointed full-time off-the-field staff and handed out numerous professional contracts to their players, in bid to bridge the gap between the between themselves and the top teams.

"We've been very realistic about our aspirations - we know we're not quite at the top yet," Oates acknowledged.

"Fourth in the table in a competitive mid-field battle is something we're really pushing for.

"It will be a long journey to the top, but we know if we keep making progress at the same rate we are, that it will become a reality."

It's been a long and arduous pre-season for all eight teams involved in the Women's Super League as the top tier gears up a notch, but Oates is pleased with her side's preparations and is excited to play alongside the Giants' new recruits:

"Preparations have been great; the girls have really connected throughout the pre-season which will only aid us on the field.

"We've had a complete revamp within our squad, so making those bonds in the time we've had is a real credit to us as a team.

"With Grace [Ramsden] and Kacy [Haley] coming from Warrington, Lauren [Waller], Em [Johnstone] and Allana [Waller] from Castleford, Sam [Hulme], Ellie [Oldroyd], Paige [Webster] from Leeds and Jess [Harrap] from Bradford - we've got some serious intent signings.

"They are all great to work with and put in a really hard shift on the pitch."

With the Women's Super League set to be at its most competitive yet, Oates is looking forward to seeing how other teams and players go in this year's competition:

"It'll be interesting to see how Barrow do. I last played them in the 2019 Championship, and this will be their first season at top level.

"They put up a fair fight in our pre-season friendly, so I'll be looking forward to our league clashes!

"In terms of players, we've a fair few former Giants dotted around the league too! And having been with the team since day one, I've seen first-hand how this club has progressed them as individuals."

Although Laund Hill is the Giants Women's primary home ground, they have been able to play at the John Smith's Stadium on the odd occasion, and most notably made history last month when their group stage Challenge Cup match against Hull KR became the first match the Women's team have ever won inside the stadium.

As Oates described the feeling of this, she hopes one day they'll be able to play at the club's principal stadia full-time:

"Playing at our main stadium is always great, and to get our first win too this year there too. It was great to kick off our season on such a high.

"We don't get those opportunities too often so when they come, we properly relish it. While it's a luxury for now, one day it can be the norm.

"York, Leeds and Saints' Women's teams are regulars at their stadiums, which I think is such a positive indication of where the game's going."

On how important this is for the Women to receive such recognition and exposure, Oates commented:

"It's huge, it gives us an entire new audience who may not have gone to one of our games otherwise.

"There's a real noise about the ground from the Giants fans - we rarely get that at Laund Hill. It's something that gives you goosebumps and makes you feel recognised as a player."

With a Round 1 derby against Leeds Rhinos Women this Friday night to kick-start their campaign, Oates knows it will be another tough test having already met with the Rhinos in the Challenge Cup this year.

Despite being beaten 54-10, Oates is optimistic of a different result this time around, as Friday will see their match form a double header with the Men's at AMT Headingley Stadium:

"We've got good memories from last time we played at the stadium. Being part of a double header also means we'll get some Giants fans giving some noise for our game also!"

The talented hooker recalled her side's sensational 16-20 win at Headingley last season:

"We know how tough an opponent Leeds are. They cannot be underestimated; however, it's not been a year since we beat them in their own backyard.

"Part of it is self-belief - we can beat and compete with these teams if we put our minds to it. I believe we have the ability but it's about getting that across on the pitch."

The Betfred Women's Super League will return this weekend, with Oates' Giants making the short trip to face local rivals Leeds Rhinos in Round 1 (Friday 19 April) at AMT Headingley Stadium, as part of a double header with the Men's Betfred Super League fixture.