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2025 Season Preview: Huddersfield Giants

27 Jan 2025

Over the years, many have predicted Huddersfield Giants would become genuine contenders. On paper, their squad has looked capable of challenging for a Play-Off spot in recent seasons - but things have failed to materialise, with these expectations not being met.

The Giants had begun the 2024 season with high hopes and aspirations, only to end up finishing in ninth place and ten points behind a Play-Off spot.

But it's all about looking forwards and not backwards, with the club now set for a fresh start under Luke Robinson after a frustrating 2024 - and with a lot of lessons learnt.

? to work.#Since1895 pic.twitter.com/UDi8KfYoA6
— Huddersfield Giants ?? (@Giantsrl) November 16, 2024

It is no secret that there’s going to be an extended period of rebuilding for West Yorkshire club, but with Ken Davy returning to his role as chairman and announcing future stadium plans, the Giants are now looking towards a positive new era.

And there is plenty of optimism and hype at the John Smith’s Stadium for 2025, with Huddersfield making six new signings ahead of Robinson’s first full season in charge – four of which are exciting additions from the NRL.

Emphasis has been placed on teamwork and togetherness as the ingredients for success - attributes their players have already displayed in pre-season preparations.

Another strong recruitment drive also means that the Giants will be truly determined not to disappoint this time, but rather impress and improve on previous years.

Could 2025 be the rise of the Giants?

Ins & Outs

Ins: Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Zac Woolford (Canberra Raiders), Liam Sutcliffe (Hull FC), George King (Hull KR), Jacob Gagai (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Taane Milne (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Outs: Innes Senior, Esan Marsters, Olly Russell, Chris Hill, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Kevin Naiqama, Adam Milner, Jake Connor, Andre Savelio

Ones to watch

Despite some notable departures, the Giants were quick to find their remarkable replacements.

Since last February, everyone has been talking about their statement signing of superstar Tom Burgess on a three-year contract, who returns to Super League after twelve years Down Under.

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Burgess has enjoyed a stellar career with South Sydney Rabbitohs – featuring 252 times for the side, which puts him in their top five list of all-time club appearances. He also won the NRL Grand Final alongside Sam and twin brother George in 2014.

This is a major acquisition for the Giants, with his hunger for success clear for everyone to see. Burgess has also spoken openly about giving the fans of Huddersfield something to look forward to in 2025, as he aims to bring power to the pack, while reinstalling belief in the Claret and Gold.

Tui Lolohea was the star playmaker for Huddersfield last year with 14 try assists and the most metres of any Giants player. He can switch between fullback and halfback and has the ability to cause chaos for his opponents wherever he plays.

It’s looking likely that Lolohea will partner Adam Clune in the halves for 2025, with new recruit Jacob Gagai taking the number 1 shirt.

One player hoping for a solid year is Adam Swift. Swift got off to a flying start in 2024 (literally!), averaging a try a game before he suffered a complicated injury that effectively ended his season. As a renowned try scorer, he is expected to go well again this year if he can remain injury free.

Huddersfield also have high ambitions for young forward Harry Rushton, with hype surrounding the impact he could have in the middles.

Next generation

Comfortable in numerous positions, young Aidan McGowan operated on the wing after being re-called from his loan at Bradford Bulls, and impressed the Giants with his strong running style and excellent ability under the high ball.

McGowan featured in ten of their last twelve games and has since committed to Huddersfield by agreeing to a new one-year deal. Can he continue to shine with his hometown club in 2025?

More scenes like this to come in 25' ?#Since1895 pic.twitter.com/e8Kt3n58aV
— Huddersfield Giants ?? (@Giantsrl) November 27, 2024

Defining dates

The Giants have a string of home games in late May/early June, and it is crucial that they build momentum here, before they are away on the road, five out of six times.

This includes travelling to St Helens, Warrington and Wigan – all top six clubs in 2024, including the current Champions. It’s going to be an extremely tough test, but if they can survive during this middle period, while picking up wins on either side, then they will stand in good stead come the end of the season.

Missing scenes like this in the off-season ?#Since1895 pic.twitter.com/fQFBxs0A4u
— Huddersfield Giants ?? (@Giantsrl) December 11, 2024

Squad list

1 Jacob Gagai, 2 Adam Swift, 3 Jake Bibby, 4 Liam Sutcliffe, 5 Sam Halsall, 6 Tui Lolohea, 7 Adam Clune, 8 Oliver Wilson, 9 Zac Woolford, 10 Tom Burgess, 11 Jack Murchie, 12 Sam Hewitt, 13 Harry Rushton, 14 Ashton Golding, 15 Matty English, 16 George King, 17 Joe Greenwood, 18 Fenton Rogers, 19 Tom Deakin, 20 Elliot Wallis, 21 Leroy Cudjoe, 22 Harvey Livett, 23 Taane Milne, 24 Aidan McGowan, 25 Jack Billington, 27 Kieran Rush, 28 Connor Carr, 29 George Flanagan, 30 Jack Bibby

First three games on SuperLeague+

SuperLeague+ is back for another HUGE year of live action, and this is when fans can watch the Giants in the opening rounds (UK and Ireland) *…

Round 1 – Sunday 16th February – Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves, K.O. 3pm
Round 2 – Sunday 23rd February - Leigh Leopards v Huddersfield Giants, K.O. 2.30pm
Round 3 – Friday 28th February – Huddersfield Giants v Hull FC, K.O. 8pm

*Overseas viewers can watch ALL SIX Super League matches LIVE every week.

Sign up to SuperLeague+ today to enjoy over 100 LIVE games, full match replays, highlights and other exclusive on demand content!