Huddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos - Woolford has no fears over visitors' home from home

Leeds’ Emerald Headingley and St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium are being used to stage matches over the opening three weekends of Betfred Super League’s return following the Covid-19 pandemic.

That means Giants have to play what is officially a home game - rearranged from the second weekend of the season, in February - on their opponents’ turf.

Huddersfield, who are unbeaten on the road this season, will use the home changing rooms for the behind closed doors fixture and their coach said: “They tell me it is not home advantage because there is no crowd.

“I am sure Rich [Agar, Rhinos’ coach] agrees with me!”

He stressed: “Headingley is a fantastic stadium and it is what it is.

“We have never seen these times before and we have got to be grateful we are back playing.

“It is a fantastic ground to play at and I would like to think it is not going to make any difference, but we will wait and see.”

Both teams have had three weeks to prepare for their return, after having not played since March.

“I am not going to expect my team to go and play their best footy on Sunday and I don’t think many coaches will,” Woolford admitted.

“I don’t think we will have any issues with effort or attitude.

“The guys are keen, excited and hungry to get back playing.

“While at times I expect we are going to look a little bit clunky and we are going to look out of sorts with the footy, I expect our effort to be A-plus.

“If we get that effort and have that intent and have that energy, hopefully that will be enough.”

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Laura Collins