Huddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos: Giants' boss Stone reslishing prospect of tackling '˜formidable' Rhinos

Giants, who drew at champions Wigan Warriors last week, are aiming for a fourth successive win over Leeds, but Stone described Rhinos as a “good, potent team”. He said: “They’ve got a lot of strike players and a big, mobile and skilful pack.

“Matt Parcell has added something to them and he’s a sharp player.

“They’ve got a good blend of youth and experience in there too.

“They’re a formidable side and they have been for a long, long time.

“They’ll be looking to bounce back and make a bit of a statement this year.”

Stone admitted his players will need no motivating this evening.

“It’s always a big game for Huddersfield, so they tell me,” he added.

“We had a good game with them in the Qualifiers last year and they’ve had some good performances of late.

“They’re a proud club who are used to winning and they’ll come here ready to compete, but we always look forward to local derbies.”

Huddersfield are eighth in Betfred Super League, four places and three points behind Leeds.

Their England winger Jermaine McGillvary said: “It’s always a tough game no matter where we are in the league.

“In derby games form goes out of the window.”