Huddersfield Giants preview

Robinson: New arrival at the Galpharm

Their ins and outs seem to balance on paper but only time will tell if Jon Sharp has been shrewd or not. But I am glad to see that Sharp is putting faith in a young British talent in Danny Kirmond. This kid has potential.

Phil Clarke
Quotes of the week

In: Paul Whatuira (Wests Tigers), George Gatis, Luke Robinson, David Hodgson (both Salford), Danny Kirmond (Featherstone)
Out: Robbie Paul, Matt Gardner (both Salford), Brad Drew, Paul Reilly (both Wakefield), Chris Nero (Bradford).

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A play-off berth was a fine result for Jon Sharp and his troops in 2007, even if they did lose in the opening round to Hull FC.

Read Phil Clarke's verdict

Their achievements, which followed on from appearing in the Challenge Cup final, means the level of expectation has risen for the Giants.

There have been plenty of comings and goings in the off-season, meaning it may take time for the new-look line-up to get going in the battle to finish in the top six.

It appears Sharp has decided to move out the old, with experienced trio Robbie Paul, Brad Drew and Paul Reilly all heading for pastures new.

While Paul and Matt Gardner, another to leave, have both joined Salford, the Giants have raided the relegated Reds for two of their crown jewels - Luke Robinson and David Hodgson.

The pair become the latest Wigan old boys to move to the Galpharm Stadium, following in the footsteps of Stephen Wild, Martin Aspinwall and Kevin Brown.

Scrum-half Robinson should revel behind Huddersfield's powerful pack that will include one new face in George Gatis.

He has a sizeable void to fill in replacing Drew, who switched from hooker to number seven last year to great effect, helping Huddersfield overcome a disastrous start.

Hodgson's career at his new club will suffer a delayed start due to injury, denying him the chance to play in a back line that will now feature New Zealand international Paul Whatuira.

A small squad means Sharp cannot afford too many injuries, particularly up front, but a second successive play-off campaign is well within their capabilities.

One to watch: Luke Robinson
The Giants' latest ex-Wigan man will have a big pack to perform behind, but even bigger boots to fill in Brad Drew's.
Live on Sky: v Bradford Bulls
February Saturday 16 - Sky Sports 1, 5.55pm
Regular season odds: 33/1
For a full list of odds from Sky Bet click here

Phil Clarke's verdict

Last season's inconsistency was the Giants' downfall but having said that they were a bit unlucky to lose 22-16 to Hull in the play-offs.

This term they will want to make sure that they pick up points from teams at the bottom of the table.

They just didn't do that last season, losing to relegated Salford City Reds and 11th placed Hull Kingston Rovers. That meant them missing out on a total of eight potential points alone!

Another new challenge this season will surely be to beat Leeds and St Helens - something they have not managed that often in the past.

Their ins and outs seem to balance on paper but only time will tell if Jon Sharp has been shrewd or not.

Brad Drew and Chris Nero have departed for Wakefield and Bradford respectively. Drew made more breaks than even Saints' hooker and Man of Steel last season, James Roby.

In fact, Drew, along with Ryan Hudson, made more breaks than any other hooking combination in Super League so that gives you an idea of what they'll be missing.

But Luke Robinson and David Hodgson come in from Salford and George Gatis makes his switch from the NRL.

I'm glad to see that Sharp is putting faith in a young British talent in Danny Kirmond. This kid has potential.

Huddersfield were excellent at scoring from kicks last season, but they need to find more try-scoring plays when they get their players near the opposition line.

John Skandalis and Keith Mason are two decent props who are ably backed up by Darrell Griffin and Eorl Crabtree.

And of course they still have Stephen Wild, who is a great player.