By Nathan Findlay –
UPDATE: 19:00 08/06/21
The upcoming game against the Huddersfield Giants and Wigan Warriors has been officially postponed after seven players from the Giants tested positive for COVID-19.
Those who have tested positive will now be required to self-isolate for 10 days.
The RFL says they will work with the clubs and Super League Europe on possible dates for the match to be rearranged later in the season.
Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis commented: “It’s a heartbreaking blow to everyone here who has worked so hard to make this game our first with supporters back in the stadium.
“The hours that have gone into this are almost unimaginable for anyone on the outside looking in to appreciate and I really feel so disappointed for everyone here and to the thousands that were looking forward to coming after so long away.
“We did still want to play but fully understand and respect the RFL position and ruling on the game.
“We will work with the Wigan club to find another date if at all possible and of course all tickets purchased for this game will remain valid for the rearrangement.
“The club now turns its attention fully to supporting the well being of its players and staff who are affected by Covid and will work towards clearing all the necessary hurdles and protocols to be able to play next Friday against Salford.”
Original Story as follows:
Huddersfield Giants will be facing up against Wigan Warriors on Friday, 11 June. After a disappointing loss to Wakefield, it is time to come back and get this win.
Huddersfield has now had a substantial amount of time to look back at the previous game, cover all the mistakes and make sure they do not let this happen again.
Huddersfield’s last game was against Wakefield Trinity, where they did, unfortunately, lose. The game started well for Trinity. They got their first try after only six minutes and the foot stayed on the grass from there.
We saw Huddersfield get a couple of tries late on to minimize some of the goal difference, but this was nowhere near enough to pull something from the game.
This was again very unfortunate for Huddersfield, but it needs to be put in the past. What is important is that the teams’ heads are kept up and that the team is ready for the game against Wigan.
Wigan Warriors
Wigan is playing exceptionally well now, with a total of seven wins out of eight games played so far this season. This meaning they are in a comfortable 3rd place at this current time.
Wigan did lose their last game, though. After being on such a good win streak since the start of the season, this was put to bed after Catalan Dragons defeated them a whopping 48-0. Could this be a negative turning point for the Warriors?
This is now a great chance for Huddersfield to put on the pressure and come at Wigan after they have finally lost a game.
Huddersfield and Wigan matched up in mid-June 2020, where Huddersfield did, unfortunately, lost. The game stayed tight and even after the first half, with only a try and conversion coming from each team. This was until the second half where Wigan did manage to take the lead and hold it.
One player to watch for Wigan is Jake Bibby. This player has stood out to me with the work ethic and the tries Bibby has secured this season. He is dangerous and is certainly a player to watch.
COVID-19
The PA news agency has reported it understands Huddersfield Giants have at least five positive cases of COVID-19, which would be enough to force them to close down training and edge them to calling off the Wigan Warriors game on Friday night at the John Smith’s stadium.
A decision is set to be made this afternoon on whether the game will go ahead or not. This is not the first time that we have seen such circumstances within professional sport, during the coronavirus pandemic, many clubs within the football league also had to call off games until COVID-19 in the club had been brought under control.
The Halifax v Eagles match in May had five players return positive COVID-19 tests and five more were forced to isolate under the track and trace regulations. Hopefully, the game will still go ahead on Friday and that this can be done in a safe manner.
Prediction
This is a hard match up to predict, both Huddersfield and Wigan look strong so far this season and it is going to be a challenging game for both sides.
Wigan has now lost a game, breaking their previous seven game win streak. Huddersfield now has a fantastic opportunity to hit them and take the win here.
I am confident that if Huddersfield Giants complete their sets and keep a high pressure against Wigan, they will win this game on Friday.