Leeds Rhinos v Huddersfield Giants scene-setter: opposition star man, key battle, previous meeting, verdict

Visitors Huddersfield Giants were tipped by many pundits for a big season, but have so far under-performed.

Opponents Leeds Rhinos, Grand Finalists in 2022, are on a run of six defeats from their last seven matches and desperately need to halt that slump. Here’s a scene-setter.

Betfred Super League round 16

Where and when?

Venue: Headingley

Date: Friday, June 23.

Time: 8pm.

Giants star man: Former England forward Chris McQueen is the reigning Lance Todd Trophy winner and leader of Huddersfield’s pack. The second-rower enjoys scoring against Leeds and bagged a brace of tries in Rhinos’ narrow win at Easter.

Key battle: Veteran Giants prop Chris Hill, 35, has been playing at the top of the English game for more than a decade and is one of Super League’s most respected props. At 24, Leeds’ Mikolaj Oledzki is the new generation and making his mark against someone of Hill’s quality and experience will prove he is ready to take over the mantle.

Previous meeting: April 9, 2023. Betfred Super League round eight. Rhinos 18 (Tries Handley, McDonnell, Martin, Smith. Goal Martin), Huddersfield 17 (Tries McQueen 2, McGillvary. Goals Connor 2. Drop goal Connor).

Verdict: In terms of qualifying for the play-offs, this is a game neither side can afford to lose, but Rhinos won’t beat anyone playing like they did against Wakefield two weeks ago. A huge improvement is needed in every aspect and if they perform well, the two points are theirs for the taking. But it feels like a long time since Leeds did that and Giants have shown signs of recent improvement, so the visitors will fancy their chances. These games are always tight and this is unlikely to be any different.