Woolford’s still the one to lead Giants to glory
AS the Huddersfield Giants squad begins their off-season recovery and recuperation, Simon Woolford and his backroom staff are well underway with their preparations for next season.
Many will be glad to see the back of 2019, none more so than the head coach who, after the victory over Catalans, admitted he was relieved to see the season come to an end.
As many fans will agree, the side has underperformed, but it is now time to rally behind Woolford and his side ahead of next season.
Last season’s form paled in comparison to the form Giants showed since Woolford’s appointment.
The team won 11 straight games to pull them out of danger and to an outside chance of qualifying for the Super 8s.
This form, while it may look like a purple-patch that can never be matched, showed the talents of the squad Woolford had at his disposal.
Players such as Jermaine McGillvary, Darnell McIntosh and Lee Gaskell were all present throughout this run and at times, they all shone again in 2019.
This trio make up the spine of the Giants side and when you add Ukuma Ta’ai, Jordan Turner and a fully-fit Leroy Cudjoe, Giants begin to look a strong team.
Then add into the mix the youngsters that have stepped up from the academy and have proven themselves more than adequate back-ups at Super League level, and you begin to have the makings of a strong squad.
A squad that, with a bit of stability and consistent leadership from Woolford, could begin to replicate some of the form from late 2018.
Chopping and changing head coaches removes any structure and consistency within the whole club and so by sticking with Woolford, it isn’t just the first-team that will benefit.
The academy has consistently churned out players ready for Super League and under Woolford, these players have had an exposure to senior rugby that will only benefit them and their fellow prospects below them.
Giants also showed this year, albeit in very small glimpses, that they can be a force to be reckoned with.
The big Magic Weekend victory over Hull, an early-season victory at the DW Stadium and a win over Castleford Tigers were all immensely impressive performances.
These games were one-offs in a disappointing season, but show the capability of this squad when they are on top of their game.
Giants just need to add a bit of consistency to their play from setto-set as well as game-to-game, and that starts with ensuring they have consistency from top-to-bottom at the club.
There is no doubt that with more consistency and a bit of luck, after a luckless 2019, Woolford can be the one to bring success back to Huddersfield Giants.