A tricky assignment awaits Ian Watson’s Salford side for there opening League game of 2019. After an in different start to the 2018 season Huddersfield parted company with Head coach Rick Stone replacing him with fellow Australian Simon Woolford. The Giants had a fantastic upturn in form to finish a very credible 5th place in the Super Eights.

Talisman Danny Brough has left and joined Wakefield with fullback Jake Mamo signing for Warrington. Another big loss is hooker Ryan Hinchcliffe who has retired. Two former Giants who have rejoined the club for 2019 are Joe Wardle and Scott Grix. Akuila Uate has signed from NRL club Manly, the tough Fijian international will add to the power to an already powerful and explosive back line. Huddersfield boast a crop of talented youngsters and have a decent amount of options in there first team.

Scott Grix is back at The Giants for 2019.

Super League away record,

Huddersfield won 11

Salford won 10

Draws 0

1998 Huddersfield 12 Salford 16

1999 Huddersfield 24 Salford 10

2000 Huddersfield/Sheffield 10 Salford 18

2001 Huddersfield 24 Salford 32

2001 Huddersfield 35 Salford 14

2004 Huddersfield 26 Salford 14

2004 Huddersfield 28 Salford 22

2005 Huddersfield 26 Salford 10

2006 Huddersfield 32 Salford 18

2006 Huddersfield 24 Salford 18

2007 Huddersfield 16 Salford 18

2009 Huddersfield 4 Salford 24

2010 Huddersfield 52 Salford 4

2011 Huddersfield 52 Salford 22

2012 Huddersfield 36 Salford 10

2013 Huddersfield 46 Salford 4

2014 Huddersfield 10 Salford 36

2015 Huddersfield 12 Salford 18

2016 Huddersfield 24 Salford 26

2017 Huddersfield 20 Salford 30

2018 Huddersfield 12 Salford 30

They played for both

Here are a selection of players who have played for both clubs;

Steve Kerry, Danny Arnold, Greg Austin, David Bradbury, Jodie Broughton, Ryan Clayton, Gavin Clinch, Greg Eden, Simon Finnigan, Matt Gardner, Lee Gaskell, Martin Gleeson, Bobbie Goulding, Darrel Griffin, Josh Griffin, Neil Harmon, David Hodgson, Graham Holroyd, Andy Johnson, Phil Joseph, Craig Kopzack, Michael korkidas, Tommy Lee, Martin Moana, Chris Nero, Robbie Paul, Luke Robinson, Jordan Turner, Adam Walne, Paul White and Stephen Wild.

Former Salford starlet Jordan Turner is now a Giant

A match to remember

Huddersfield 4 Salford 24 17th May 2009.

Salford capitalised on an error-strewn Huddersfield performance to win there fourth match of 2009.

Giants stand-off Kevin Brown attempted to find touch with a penalty in the sixth minute, but only succeeded in kicking the ball straight to a Reds player.

Salford took advantage by building a thrilling move, which ended with Myler putting in John Wilshere down the left channel for a converted try.

The Giants, looking for a ninth win in 11 league and cup matches, never recovered, and Myler later scored a stunning solo try to cap a deserved victory.

Martin Aspinwall palmed down a high kick for Luke Robinson to go over for the Giants on 17 minutes, only for Leroy Cudjoe to miss the conversion.

Robinson then started a fine move, in which Brown and Paul Whatuira exchanged passes to breach the Salford defence on 22 minutes, but the visitors recovered with some terrific defence to stop Whatuira short of the line.

Salford were struggling in the league since beating Celtic Crusaders on the campaign’s opening day. The Reds travelling supporters were delighted when

Luke Adamson’s acrobatic pass was pounced on by Jordan Turner, and his offload to Darrell Goulding on the overlap resulted in another converted try.

Huddersfield nearly reduced the deficit on half-time when Aspinwall went over in the corner but Lolesi was adjudged to have made a forward pass in the build-up.

John Wilshere kicked four goals in total, added a penalty on 50 minutes, and also added the extras when Salford sealed victory six minutes later with a breakaway try.

The Giants were pressing the Reds’ try-line when a poor pass was intercepted by Myler, and he raced nearly the full length of the field to score a super solo try near the posts.

Australian Mark Henry completed the scoring when the creative Stefan Ratchford’s pass was palmed onto him by Willie Talau. A surprise result but a much welcomed one for Salford leaving The Giants shell shocked. It was particularly pleasing to see two players who came through Salford’s youth set up Stefan Ratchford and Jordan Turner playing a big part in the victory.

Salford’s team that day was;

Wilshere; Henry, Turner, Talau, Goulding; Ratchford, Myler; Cashmere, Alker, Parker, Sibbit, Adamson, Swain. Subs used: Jewitt, Leuluai, Paul, Littler. Tries: Wilshere, Goulding, Myler, Henry. Goals: Wilshere (4).

Friday’s match

Huddersfield will go in to this game as favourites but Ian Watson’s men will have plenty of confidence after a good pre season. Warm up matches against Swinton Lions and Wigan have shifted the ring rust leaving The Red Devils raring to go. There is a lot of excitement around the half back pairing of Jackson Hastings and Robert Lui with the spine of Salford’s starting 13 full of quality. It might not be the biggest squad in Super League but there is a sense of anticipation around Watson’s squad with the supporters in a very positive mood. Although I am not one to look at statistics Salford have won there last five consecutive visits to Huddersfield.

There have been some memorable matches between the two sides over the years. Who could forget Kevin Locke’s debut or Mark Lee’s wonderful last gasp kick through for Nathan Mcavoy In 1996.

Huddersfield Giants and there loyal followers have ambitions of there own of a top five finish in 2019 and why not after last season’s amazing turn round in form. Friday night promises to be a fantastic match and one not to miss.

Safe travels and see you all there.

Paul Whiteside