Ian Watson named Betfred Coach of the Month

Huddersfield Giants head coach, Ian Watson, has been named Betfred Super League Coach of the Month for April.

Leading @GiantsRL to a strong month ?

Ian Watson is the April @Betfred Coach of the Month ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/Sxqz8hLx5M

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 8, 2024

The Giants had three impressive performances throughout the month with their only loss a narrow defeat away to St Helens.

Tries from former Saints players Kevin Naiqama and Adam Swift, both of which were converted by Jake Connor, gave the Giants the initiative in the first half. But with the score level at 12 points apiece in the final minutes and golden point looming, Jonny Lomax stepped up to fire over the match-winning one-pointer with barely 30 seconds of the game remaining.

Earlier in the month, Huddersfield celebrated a 56-22 rout of Hull FC with Swift punishing his former club by scoring a hat-trick of tries for the visitors. That performance was followed up with a thrilling comeback against Leeds Rhinos where the Giants twice rubbed out a 12-point deficit to claim the two points.

One member of the voting explained their support of Watson below:

“Huddersfield Giants have been revitalised with good results in April - including a Challenge Cup mauling of Catalans Dragons. They showed they can compete with top end teams and only lost to Saints by virtue of a late drop goal.

“Watson has got the best from free scoring winger Adam Swift, built on the organisation and creativity of Adam Clune, Tui Lolohea and Jake Connor, while the pack lays a fine platform with Seb Ikahihifo in particular enjoying a strong month's work.”

The voting panel is made up of selected members of the Rugby League media.