NEW COACH WOOLFORD BACKING TEENAGER TO FILL BROUGH’S BOOTS IN CLASH AT LEEDS Oliver set

Cup-tie, for which he was sinbinned.

The Giants are very sore about the outcome – Brough’s ban was extended from two to three games for an ‘unreasonable challenge’ of the charge – but Woolford explained the Giants were planning ahead with youngster Russell.

“We have had Oliver in training with us,” said Woolford, whose side are battling to stay in the top eight.

“Oliver made his debut a couple of weeks ago and was man of the match in a win.

“I think the style of football we play really suits Oliver.

“He plays nice a straight, direct and he’s got a good left-foot kicking game.

“I watched him last weekend for the Academy, when it was clear he’s a really good talker.

“So I think he is a young kid on the up and I think he will do a good job for us.”

Brough will not only sit out the Leeds match but also the clashes with Catalans Dragons and Hull KR, who are also battling against ultimately being in the bottom four.

Russell and Innes Senior are included in the Giants 19-man squad, with Woolford making three changes.

In addition to Russell and Senior, Michael Lawrence is back while Jake Mamo, Brough (suspended) and Oliver Roberts drop out.

Russell made his only appearance to date in the 28-28 home victory against Widnes Vikings last month while Senior, 18, has scored three tries in his four matches so far.

Referee for tomorrow’s match is Liam Moore.

Squad: McGillvary, Cudjoe, Turner, Murphy, Gaskell, Ikahihifo, Leeming, Lawrence, Hinchcliffe, Rankin, Clough, Smith, O’Brien, Mellor, McIntosh, Wood, English, I Senior, Russell.