Leeds have lost the last four straight V Huddersfield in All Comps. McDermott's Leeds have won only two from seven meetings and yet they also have a three wins from five record at the McAlpine/Galpharm/John Smith Stadium under this coach.



As Gilder pointed out Huddersfield have the game to get around Leeds' condensed defence which leaves the halves, centres and wingers on either side vulnerable to attacks in a variety of ways. It's a problem Leeds had under the previous Huddersfield coach and it appears one that remains under their current coach.



Added to that the lame effort at times up the middle V Widnes and it's looking a forgone conclusion without Huddersfield are reduced to ten or eleven men rather than their customary twelve.

Tend to agree. I guess BM will have been working on our defence around the ruck area and a plan for Brough's kicking. But like you said as underdogs for this one the pressure is off the youngsters who could be able to show us what they've got. Maybe its our turn to catch them on an offday.

Not one to usually write off Leeds' chances completely in games but this game doesn't look promising, our best hope might be Hudds taking the teamsheet we put out too lightly but considering they've had 2 weeks since their last game (which they disappointingly lost vs KR) then I think they'll be adequately up for this one. Maybe though Brough, without that nasty fella keeping him out of the national team, opposite him might lose some of that 'i'll prove a point and show them' attitude he seems to be playing with this year.



For the first time this year i'll say its not really about getting the 2 points but how some of the younger guys show up against a step up in opposition and away from Headingley too. McShane vs Lunt a contest to look out for especially.

I think there was some mention of keinhorst not being 100% on Monday due to being ill so would be harsh to oust him as I think he can offer alot if only strong squad support in times like this...we can't have 25 "first" choice players in the squad, the salary cap for one doesn't allow it. I hope he can give himself a showing, like wise maybe with Minns that we have cover in the backs and don't need to chase bigger names and wages when the forward pack needs a new lease of players this next 1-2yrs



Little concerned about how BMac is going to use Sutcliffe in defence, it was a very poor display of bringing the defensive lineup together or not as we saw.....if he can tidy that up, his attack I think can be seen and with more experience he will be confident of playing to his full potential.



The pack will get a brusing encounter on Sunday and will need to stop the likes of Crabby-tree from stretching his legs to much and will be interesting how we match up with Cudjoe, he was a thorn last time we played them and that was lining up v Moon.



As always looking forward to it and with the injuries sticking with the younger players in my mind is best even if we see some errors like last week....we need to keep these players as upbeat as possible.

Cudjoe looks a real class act this year - has always had the tools but looks to be adding more quality as time goes on.



With any good strike player the key is to stifle their supply of ball in dangerous areas. If he can come onto the ball with space to run and the defence stretched then he'll cause problems. Winning the ruck and the biff up the middle will be crucial to beating Huddersfield.

I hate to say this but i think that we're gonna bet a number done on us this Sunday, i think the Giants will fully take advantage of our depleted squad and if we don't sort our ruck area out then Lunt will rip us to bits

Got to agree. We weren't brilliant against one of the poorer sides. And we struggle with Hudds when we have a full compliment.



I envisage a bit of an embarrassment in the next game. Sorry to say, but anything better than that is a bonus.

Well I think we can win, and if not then I expect us to be at least be competitive with the team we are putting out.



*shrug*

I agree LeedsDave but for me its all about the younger lads getting game-time and experience now results are secondry to that at the moment it will pay off long term imo just as it did in 02/03.

Absolutely - just thought i'd counter some of the negative expectations with some optimism

If we get most of our top performers back for the business end of the season, then maybe this period of bad luck will benefit the young players that don't get a chance with Mac. Others have suffered and bounced back this season (Hull FC) and so can we.

I have to agree with most about Hudds though. If Brough can slaughter a fully fit Rhinos I hate to see what he will do to our youngsters. Keeping the scores close would be a tremendous achievement by our lads.

not much confidence on here, Giants to cover -8 on the handicap must be a stonking bet eh