ISSUE 117th February 2014

the boysare back

Super League Returns

Editor’s NotesHere we are, Fee Fi Fo Fum, a real fanzine. No longer just a twitter page, but a real fanzine. Ok, we aren’t very traditional considering we began on a social networking site and will be published online, but I believe we can be just as successful as previous printed fanzines. It is a very open fanzine as we want as many different people writing in it as possible. If you want to write for us then get in touch on Facebook (Fee Fi Fo Fum) on Twitter (@GiantsFanzine) or email us at huddersfieldgiantsfanzine@gmail.com. The fanzine is free but we do ask that via the PayPal button you donate, any amount of money, if you enjoyed the read. This will give us funds to improve the fanzine and get some awesome prizes for future competitions. Look out on Twitter and Facebook for a competition coming soon.

Away from the fanzine and on to the Giants, after a brilliant World Cup for most of the Giants players, the offseason was turbulent. Lots of changes in Super League, but some things never change:WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE. (Well, we were for a bit. Bloody Saints...) It was a great night over in Wigan with Giants fans showing that we are just as good as any other fans in the league. Stevo even claimed it was the best turnout by the Fartowners he has ever seen. Great job guys and there will be a full review of the demolishing later in the fanzine.

Just a little on the end, we can only do so much in promotion so if you did enjoy the read then donate or tell all your Giants friends about us and get them reading!

Eddie, Founder of the Fanzine

Eddie KayeFounder/Editor

Mark WilkinsonDesign Editor

Dear Diary26th October

England lose to Australia in the World Cup opener. You couldn’t help thinking that England were missing a 5’8”, nippy halfback that’s a kicking machine with godlike skills. If anyone knows where to find one, get in touch?

15th NovemberScotland’s World Cup dream ends as they fall in the Quarter Final to New Zealand. Some amazing performances from an underrated side. Both Danny and Dale were influential in their success, shame Fergy won’t be playing in Claret and Gold for the upcoming season.

23rd NovemberEngland were back to their old tricks, they built us up and crushed our dreams. ‘Sir’ Kev sprints out of the line to spoil a seemingly unspoilable game. Not to blame it on him, but it would be easy, very easy.

30th NovemberAn amazing World Cup ended with an average game. 34-2 to the Aussies in an one-sided encounter. The tournament also ended with massive uncertainty when we will see International Rugby League again. For all that the RFL has messed up in the past the tournament went well, really well. Genuinely no complaints; it’s strange really, ‘a well organised Rugby League event’ just doesn’t sound right.

12th DecemberFormer Huddersfield Giant Luke ‘Sicknote’ O’Donnell retires from Rugby League.

3rd JanuaryIt came later than usual but the same bullsh*t rumours cropped up. Sammut coming to us came and went relatively quickly. But Larne to Wigan circled for quite a while, that is until Baloo stepped up and basically told Wigan to ‘P*ss Off’.

5th JanuaryMuch to the disbelief of Giants fans on twitter Sky Sports make the decision that we had just two, that’s two, ‘Super Tries’ in 2013. It’s not actual news, but very annoying. Can you think of any more ‘Super Tries’, I’m going to start with Murphy’s first vs Leeds away?

6th JanuaryBradford releases a player that never played for them, what a state they’re in. I really hope they sort it out, I’m joking of course they loved it when we lost every week so I think most Giants fans smirk a little when they read of their sorrows, am I right?

11th JanuaryThe boys returned from Portugal in high spirits. Let’s hope it has helped them prepare for another silverware winning season. Seems they enjoyed the sun a little more than the freezing cold Army Camp last year? Can’t understand why?

12th JanuaryRumours on twitter are that Giants have sold just 3,500 season tickets. This is highly disappointing especially considering last season’s efforts, no-one seems to be able to even suggest why season ticket sales, and last seasons attendances, are so low.

14th JanuaryMore rumours coming out on twitter today. Peter Smith of the Yorkshire Evening Post reports a title sponsor for Super League is to be announced in the coming days. Yeah we’ve heard it all before, probably just stick the Super League’s logo on the side of twenty caravans in Wigan.

15th JanuaryA bid for top flight rugby league in Toulouse gathers pace as several ‘high profile’ writers say they would like to see them make it. A lot of it rides on whether they can secure a TV deal, but do we really want two French teams? Would it work?

17th JanuarySuper League announces massive changes for 2015. There will be two leagues of 12 then breaking down to three leagues of 8 after 23 rounds. I like the idea personally and I think it will make the sport seem really exciting my only worry is that people ,that are thinking about supporting a team will be put off simply because it is so damn confusing.

17th JanuaryThe whole team assembles for the 2014 photo, could this be the group that takes us all the way?

21st JanuarySuper League finally announced their sponsor today, great news you would think. But wait look at the logo, has it been made on word? And the name The FU Super League, I think that is actually subtle stab at the fans that have, so far, survived the storm that is the running of the RFL. Still, money talks I suppose?Francis Cummings is quoted as saying ‘Relegation is a rubbish idea’. That is normally how a club feels when it’s going to get relegated.

23rd JanuaryThe RFL’s innovation and relentless effort to excite fans came to light today. The Magic Weekend games are announced and they are exactly the same as last year, but in a different order. Nigel Wood took a whole minute out of his busy schedule to re-order those games.

24th JanuaryJames Brammer confirms that just 3,500 season tickets have been sold for the season but he claims that they still expect attendances to be up on last season.

25th JanuarySky release another great advert promoting Super League, it depicts F1 star Mark Webber talking about all his memories as a child growing up with Rugby League. It is a great advert which I’m sure was very effective however it concerns me that our sport still feels it needs to rely on other sports for its promotion.

26th JanuaryFormer Giants favourite Andy Rahleigh has his testimonial game against the Giants called off. I think all Giants fans were really gutted and we are just hoping it can be rearranged as soon as possible.

1st FebruaryThe Claret and Gold get a win, in their only preseason game, against Hull Kr. A good performance from the lads but Danny can’t help mouthing off to the ref and then spending 10 minutes in the bin. 20-18

4th FebruaryShaun Wane claims he requested to play the Giants first in the season, confirming that the clubs completely run the Super League. Nigel and Brian grow a pair and make YOUR own decision.

5th FebruaryPhil Clarke is back to his normal self and predicts we will finish 6th, yes that’s 6th. That won’t phase us, we love being underdogs

7th FebruaryIts clear Sky is trying to silence their critics as they have a day full of Super League coverage. First Sky Sports news visited every Super League club and then Sky Sports 1 showed last year’s highlights and the best Grand Finals until our game at 7.You know Super League is back when you’re stood up waving your Claret and Gold scarf singing ‘We are top of the league’. What an amazing way to kick off Super League. There is a full match report later in this edition for Giants game against Wigan.

8th FebruaryGiants fans can relax, a little, as Lunty tweets saying he was brought off simply as a precaution. Just waiting on Larne now.

10th FebruaryLarne will be out for 12 weeks, do you think Wigan still want him?

10th FebruaryMatty Bowen has not been charged despite attempting to remove the head of Scott Grix, shoulder first was the reason given, if the neck is now the shoulder they got it spot on.

17th FebruaryYou might be reading this thinking why have they missed out *insert news story* but this article was sent off on Thursday so who knows what I might have missed. Eddie Kaye

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I Sat Down With...Eddie Hemmings

We spoke to the voice of modern Rugby League about the upcoming season and his thoughts on all the changes.

Your Twitter Questions@suggy22- How do you think the Giants will do this season? Could they make it to Old Trafford?I think the Giants will have a very good season. They proved last year by finishing top of the table after the weekly rounds that they are now up there with the best. They have the consistency under Paul Anderson that they have lacked in previous years. They have pace and power. The Giants legacy of 2013 could easily be followed by a run all the way to Old Trafford. Keeping players fit is vital of course- if they can do that it could very well be their year.@aldyson73- Which young players do you think will surprise people this season?Matty Russell has massive boots to fill at Warrington in taking over from Brett Hodgson. He had a great World Cup for Scotland but Super League is a different kettle of fish. The great thing about Super League is that there are so many good young players around. I’m excited about Ben Crookes and Tom Lineham at Hull. They had a wonderful season in 2013 and will kick on this summer. Wigan, Saints and Leeds have marvellous production lines brining players through.

It’s impossible to pick out someone who will set the game alight at this stage of the season. But one young man will and once again the Young Player of the Year at the Man of Steel dinner is bound to be keenly contested as ever. @aldyson73- Who do you think is the best signing of the off season?Luke Walsh at St Helens. He comes with big raps from people down under and he just could be the man to propel Saints back to their former glory. Though he’s an Aussie- and I much prefer the Man of Steel to be British through and through Luke Walsh looks like he’ll have a big year.@sscofa- Is Stevo annoying at times?NO, Stevo is a fantastic colleague and friend. We have worked together now since 1989. We actually first commentated on a game during the 1988 British Lions Tour to Australia. He was alongside me for all three Tests and when the satellite television revolution began he took the opportunity to come over here as my sidekick and the rest, as they say is history. Don’t be fooled by what you see on the screen. He is great company, a true friend, has a deep rooted interest in the game- in fact he is its biggest fan... and if ever there is a charity that needs help he’ll be the first in line. We have has so many laughs together over the years, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like without him.@aldyson73- Are there any changes to the game you would like to see?It would be difficult to improve on much from a playing point of view. At its best it is the best sport on TV in my opinion (I am biased of course). It’s the best kept secret in Britain and we would all like the game to be bigger in terms of its recognition around the country. We try and do our bit as far as that’s concerned. The Bradley Wiggins/Sam Tompkins promo at this time last year helped- it got a lot of people talking. There’s another on the production line for 2014- I can’t tell you too much but it’ll make another big splash when it goes to air.@aldyson- Is there any new techno stuff coming to coverage by Sky this season?Rest assured the producers at Sky are working on something- I’ve no idea yet what it is but it’ll be big, believe me!

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Questions from Fee Fi Fo FumHow well do you think Thursday nights do in spreading the game, do you have any idea of the viewing figures?I think Thursdays will do fine. It’s an open market on a Thursday night on TV at the moment and we have a real chance to cash in. People said Friday’s wouldn’t work- now Fridays are ‘Super League nights’. The schedulers have promised we’ll get a regular and prominent position on Sky Sports- look at how Premier League Darts has caught on. I am sure we can match that if not better it.I don’t know how many World Cup games you saw, but do you think it merited some more elite international rugby league?I saw many of the World Cup games on TV. Yes it was a great tournament, well attended and successfully run. Elite Rugby League at international level yes- England, New Zealand and Australia- it has massive appeal. But to clamour for more international rugby league at every level just isn’t practical in my view. Take a look at some of the teams in the World Cup- had the NRL clubs pulled the plug where would the players have come from? I went to America soon after the tournament. I could’nt find anyone who had even heard of Rugby League, let alone the World Cup or the US Tomahawks. They knew about the World Cup- but only the one in Brazil this summer. A Rugby League World Cup every four years is marvellous but let’s not get too carried away that International Rugby League is thriving around the world- it just isn’t.Which Giants player surprised you the most last year?Strangely the player that surprised me the most was Danny Brough. I knew, like everyone else, that he was a good player but he was the star of the show in 2013 and absolutely deserved the Man of Steel award. A remarkable year for Danny who simply grew into the Captaincy as the season wore on. He possesses the best kicking game in the completion, I thought he was the player of the year by a mile and I as only sorry he didn’t pull on the England jersey last autumn. Danny Brough was my Lee Briers in 2013- the best pound for pound footballer running around.

Why do you think Huddersfield struggled for attendances last season?I can’t for the life of me answer the question about Huddersfield’s small attendances. Was it because no one took them seriously? Obviously an error of judgement if that is this case. Is it the ground? Whatever it is I hope the word gets out this season the Giants deserve better- Ken Davy and his team deserve better too.Do you remember the first game you commented on?I think it was in 1985 and the Challenge Cup tie between Leeds and Widnes at Headingley. It was for BBC Radio- I had just taken over the microphone from Harry Gration who had moved on. It was a cold and snowy day. My co-commentator David Watkins was stranded in Birmingham as he made his way up from his home in South Wales so I recruited the services of David Howes the former Press Officer at the Rugby Football League to deputise. It was a very nerve wracking day as I remember but we got through it- don’t ask me the result.I sort of have to ask this one, do you support a Rugby team?I don’t support any one team I particular. I did once admit to being a sort of closet Widnes fan - that was when they were at first excluded from the Super League and with all their proud history they weren’t involved. But no, no one team - any club that brings quality to the competition. Bradford early doors, Saints, Leeds, Wigan, Warrington (I live in the town if they do well I don’t have far to travel!!!) and Huddersfield last year – they all have brought quality to the game in some shape or another over the years. By the way my grandson Owen does support the Giants these days as he lives in Huddersfield – so I can never be too harsh on them from that point of view!!When you do stop commentating will you still watch the game?I am a massive fan of the game these days when the time comes to hang up the microphone I will definitely still watch the game – providing I am not ostracised by then!!!What do you do during the off season, do you miss rugby? Off seasons are taken up with holidays in the main, recharging the batteries for the season to come. I am very lucky and have been to some fabulous places.

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the Future of leagueEddie Hemmings on Super League’s new structure

So now we know what the future holds in terms of Super League for the foreseeable future. I realise that not everyone is entirely happy when the Rugby Football League opts for change – there was great cynicism after the big switch to summer in 1996 but just think about it for a moment where we would be now without that seismic change? Would our club game be as buoyant as it is today? I doubt it.

Now comes the radical decision to switch to 12 clubs at the end of the new campaign (what a dog fight we are in for in 2014 as the bottom four scrap to get out of trouble!) Then from 2015 onwards 12 clubs each in the Super League and the Championship followed by three divisions of eight which will offer real hope for promotion and relegation to the teams outside the elite: that if they’re strong enough, astute and bold enough they could be part of the Super League scene in years to come.

The licensing system has now been abandoned, but for all its flaws and there were quite a few of them, it did offer smaller clubs the chance to grow over a three year period and build a business plan and a team. Evidence: Widnes bottom year one, 10th year two and with real ambition to get a playoff spot in 2014. Yes straight promotion and relegation is built into the British sports psyche but we must be realistic. We are a sport that is fiercely parochial (nothing wrong with that) and we don’t have millions of pounds swilling around in parachute payments for clubs that get relegated. Clubs must be allowed to grow. If you’re strong enough – both financially and in playing strength you will be offered the chance to join the big boys and have a go. To me the new format is actually better than the licence system – I think it is similar but a totally different format.

It again offers the Championship clubs the chance to form a sustainable business plan (there might even be a bit more money going their way) and after the opening 23 rounds of the season the top four in the championship will be given a chance of taking on the bottom four of the Super League. Then if they are good enough then they’ll be able to win promotion for the following year, and if they find themselves struggling at that level the following year, they will drop down again to the Championship – but this time as one of the Super League clubs with increased funding – so they just might be able to survive in the top four of the second tier, regroup and come straight back again the following year. Therefore doors won’t be completely

shut and it won’t be a question of boom and bust as it has been so often in the past.

The licence system is about to be confined to the history books – but just think for a moment without that licensing system where would the Catalan Dragons be today?

What a success story they have been. I think I’m right in saying that during the licencing process they have finished bottom - twice. Had we had simple and straight promotion and relegation the Dragons now would probably be defunct and out of business. The same can be said of Widnes who grew a business and attracted investment outside of the Super League then won the right to enter the competition. First year bottom – under the old system relegated and possibly bankrupt. The investment wouldn’t have been there to sustain a full season outside the elite – their best players would have moved on (probably to the team that would have replaced them!!) and Widnes could so easily have gone the way of Workington, Oldham, Paris and Gateshead. Remember Huddersfield in the day could so easily have been lost to the game. Salford might be in the championship now – where would Dr Koukash and his money be then? This new format means they won’t be gone forever – there is a realistic way back.

So what about the teams in the Championship that just might be able to help make all this work? Sheffield have been reigning supreme recently. Featherstone Rovers too. Leigh and Halifax are hugely ambitious too. Given the chance to grow their business and their player base, you know, these clubs just might make a go of it. But I don’t think any club could survive coming out of the championship with the trap door of relegation creaking beneath them from day one. Knowing that at the end of a difficult first year they would be cast aside. The pressure would simply be too much.

Of course the new idea – while adopted by the clubs will have to be sold to the fans. But just think about it. What a classic way to end the season with a totally meaningful top eight play-off.

Yes its more change but simply not change for change sake. The clamour has been to address the problem of the lack of promotion and relegation.

Here we have it – let’s grasp the nettle and the opportunity with both hands, take it forward and make it work.

Daz’s Fanzine Quiz

How good is your Giants knowledge? Here’s 10 questions to put you to the test.

1. Which player captained the Giants to the 1997 Premiership Final victory over Hull at Old Trafford?

2. Who were the opponents in the last competitive game played at Fartown?

3. In what season did Eorl Crabtree make his professional debut?

4. Which current Giants player lists Bradford, Wakefield and Castleford as his previous clubs?

5. Which player wore the number 10 shirt in the 2007 season?

6. In which year did Huddersfield last win the Challenge Cup?

7. Who did Tony Smith replace as Giants head coach in 2001?

8. In what year was ‘Giants’ added to the Huddersfield name?

9. Which player wore the number 6 shirt for Fartown in the 2009 Challenge Cup final?

10. How many times have Huddersfield been crowned Rugby League Champions?

Check your answers on the last page!

Giants Brush Aside Deflated ChampionsJosh Phillips reports back from the DW Stadium

The words “Wigan away” and “comfortable win” are rarely put together in the world of rugby league. But Paul Anderson’s well-drilled Giants side made light work of the reigning Super League Champions and Challenge Cup winners.

A hat-trick from winger Jermaine McGillvary, who picked up the Sky Sports man of the match award, as well as scores from Brett Ferres and Scott Grix ensured the sizeable Fartown faithful travelled back across the M62 in buoyant mood ahead of the 2014 campaign.

Even before the game kicked off, you could sense this would be the Giants’ night as a settled line up featuring just 2 new signings, Antonio Kaufusi and Chris Bailey, locked horns with an unfamiliar looking Warriors side. On top of the loss of Sam Tomkins to the New Zealand Warriors, Shaun Wane’s side faced further adversity with the omission of Josh Charnley (minor surgery) and the loss of influential skipper Sean O’Loughlin who pulled up in the warm up. Even sky pundit and former Wigan stalwart Phil Clarke backed the 2013 league leaders to take the two points before kick off!

As visitors to the DW Stadium the Giants emerged from the dressing rooms first and as Anderson’s colossal side entered the field of play they were reminded of their goal for the season as they had to run past the Grand Final

trophy on display on the sideline. After applauding the travelling Fartowners they looked ready and primed for the action that was about to unfold. Wane’s Warriors then took to the field in a raucous atmosphere that would’ve intimidated Giants sides of former years.

Wigan tried to use the atmosphere to their advantage in the opening set of six with a rapid defensive line and some big hits on the Giants pack. Last season Paul Anderson picked out Stuart Fielden’s opening drive of the campaign as one that set the tone for what unfolded in the rest of the season, Friday night saw Antonio Kaufusi take on that responsibility and he didn’t disappoint with an aggressive opening drive. The opening exchanges also saw Matty Bowen’s first passage of play with his new side as Joe Wardle welcomed him to the competition with an uncompromising tackle.

In just the third minute of the piece, the Giants were already making inroads into the Warriors defence with Luke Robinson’s cut out ball setting Jermaine McGillvary free down the right touchline before Shaun Lunt’s knock-on. Just 2 minutes later though, the Giants were ahead as 2013 Man of Steel Danny Brough’s half-break took the Giants up field before a power play on the last tackle saw Brett Ferres find Aaron Murphy whose quick thinking saw Ferres latch onto the wingman’s kick ahead, reaching out and grounding the loose ball. Following referee Richard Silverwood’s consultation with the new video ref system featuring Steve Ganson and Ian Smith, the try was awarded. Brough failed to

add the extras as he saw his effort shave the left upright making it 4-0 to the Giants.

The fourteenth minute saw the Giants defend their own line with enthusiasm and vigor after successive penalties for holding down, a recurring theme of the match for both sides. But the Giants soon turned defence into attack with Shaun Lunt’s quick thinking, once again on the last tackle, resulting in a kick to the corner that was just grounded before the whitewash by McGillvary. The video refs were once again called into action but the try stood, Brough failed to convert resulting in the score line staying at 8-0.

Huddersfield’s 2013 record breaker for points and goals in a season was running the show as he so often does, typified by a successful 40-20 attempt. But the Giants didn’t have it all their own way with 3 successive penalties conceded for offences around the ruck area resulting in a Warriors onslaught on the Giants’ try line. The Giants survived thanks to some steely

defence and Murphy’s security under the high ball, just 2 minutes later the Giants were back up the other end of the field with Brough’s incisive grubber kick forcing Matty Smith to tap the ball behind to force a repeat set. From the resulting dropout the Giants crossed the try line again with a spontaneous play involving Lunt and Cudjoe, once again on the last tackle, resulting in the former placing a perfect grubber kick behind winger Thornley who was helpless to prevent McGillvary touching down just inches before the white wash. The video refs were yet again called upon before giving the green light. Brough once again showed his rustiness with the boot slicing his conversion wide of the H.

In the remaining time before the interval Wigan huffed and puffed but were unable to penetrate with Liam Farrell spilling the ball under pressure from the rock steady Giants defence. On the stroke of half time the gloss was taken off the Giants’ solid performance in the first 40 with forward Larne Patrick, who looked impressive in his new second row berth, succumbing to knee ligament damage that will see him ruled out for the next 12 weeks. The half ended with a missed drop goal attempt from Brough.

As the teams headed for the sheds Anderson’s message to his troops would undoubtedly have been more of the same although it did feel as if the Giants should be winning by more than the 12-0 score line. Shaun Wane on the other hand probably had some choice words for his side who certainly weren’t playing like a champion team.

Whatever was said in the Wigan dressing room had an immediate effect with the Warriors reducing the arrears in the first 10 minutes of the second period thanks to tries from Thornley and Burgess who

crossed in their respective left and right corners. Thornley’s try came from a sweeping passing move that saw Cudjoe dragged out of position leaving McGillvary outnumbered before Thornley squeezed in at the corner. After approval from Ganson and Smith the try was awarded before Matty Smith was also off form with the boot. Soon after, the Giants surrendered field position with McGillvary spilling Matty Smith’s kick before Burgess crossed for Wigan’s second try, forcing his way past Murphy. Smith was once again unable to add the extras, leaving the score at 12-8.

These tries came after Brough had the chance to put the game to bed in just the 42nd minute, putting Wardle’s pass to ground after the left centre ran a great line to burst through the Wigan defence. It seemed that this could be the game’s turning point but Michael Lawrence made sure that it wasn’t to be, catching Brough’s kickoff with his back to the ball. This excellent piece of play from the robust second-row academy product ensured the Warriors were unable to pick up a head of steam. Instead, the Giants hit straight back with excellent hands along the right edge resulting in McGillvary forcing his way over in the corner. Despite concern from referee Silverwood regarding the wingman’s grounding of the ball the try was awarded and this time Brough was on target with the conversion, ensuring the Giants’ had a 10-point cushion with the score standing at 18-8.

From this point on, the Giants never gave the Warriors a sniff of getting back into the contest, their tenacious defensive spirit typified by Cudjoe and Grix forcing Thornley into touch after the Wigan winger broke free. The 60th minute saw the game’s most controversial point as the Warriors’ new recruit Matt Bowen was both late and

high on Scott Grix after the Irish international made use of the free play rule by chipping the ball forward. Bowen was placed on report but no retrospective action was taken, leaving Sam Tomkins’ replacement free to face the Sydney Roosters in the World Club Challenge.

Wigan’s night was summed up as the game neared its end with two poor kicks from their half-back pairing. First Matty Smith failed to find touch from a Wigan penalty, before Blake Green’s attempt at a high bomb failed to trouble Grix, bouncing beyond the dead ball line. Although Brough came up with an uncharacteristically off target 40-20 attempt of his own, Wigan were still unable to capitalise on good field position with stand-in hooker Sam Powell coughing up possession on the last tackle.

The Giants’ win was sealed with 10 minutes of the game to spare thanks to Grix who touched down in the left corner after excellent support play following Brough’s break. The Giants’ skipper kicked the conversion to leave the final score at 24-8. So, a satisfying victory for the Giants that will give the side great confidence ahead of the 2014 season.

AWAY DAYSthe best of your trips to Wigan

@Danny_G89The pitch, right after the ridiculously loud violins had finished

@ThewlisRobThe Wigan stand filling with fans that will end the night very disappointed.

@rossliv

Ross and Katy enjoying the Giants game

@Danny_G89En route to the DW

@OZWELDOBehind the posts where the

Giants scored 3 of their 5 tries @DanielStirling, @Rhysm94,@Jimmbobs & @Gaz_Heathcote‘Borrowing’ the signs from the stadium

@ChrisTodd_HGR#Failedscoreboadpic. His words, not ours. This is Chris after the game with the scoreboard in the background.

@ThewlisRobLuckily, Rob got a clearer shot, and it’s a good read!

Not strictly an Away Day photo, but here’s Nick Hirst flying the flag for

the Claret and Gold. He and his sign made an appearance on the telly at

the darts.

best #AwayDayChantwhere’s your famous 18th man 6 - 2 is there a fire drill

The winner is ‘Where’s your famous 18th man’ sung as the Wigan crowd struggledto make their voice’s heard and were completely outsung by the Fartowners

(which, for once, was recognised by other people).Vote for your favourite #AwayDayChant on Facebook or Twitter (@GiantsFanzine)

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‘s the limitMark Wilkinson on Sky’s efforts and the Giants’ 2014 season

In the run up to Super League 19, I’ve heard a lot of talk about Salford’s “devil-ution”, plenty about Saints’ return to form, countless questions on how Wigan will do without Tomkins, and of course, the usual predictions that this will in fact be Warrington’s year. Again. But despite winning the League Leader’s Shield, being captained by the Man of Steel and getting five players into last season’s Dream Team, the rugby league community seems to once again be underestimating Huddersfield. So when I tuned into Sky Sports last Friday night, in a bar in Manchester, I was desperate for the Giants to show that they’re not a one-season wonder, but real title contenders. And what better way to do that than convincingly beating the champions and Challenge Cup holders in their own back yard?

From where I was sitting, the Giants looked on top form. Although Jerry was clearly the man of the match, I found myself really impressed every time Grix was in play. Not just for somehow stealing Danny Kirmond’s beard, but for playing an incredible 80 minutes of rugby. Grix had his share of critics at points last season, but against Wigan there was no doubt he deserved the number 1 shirt. He was quick, caught everything that came his way, exploded into tackles and even got a try for good measure, everything you need from a fullback. Broughy didn’t play his best rugby, but it’s comforting to know that even on a bad day at the office he can still sneak in a tough 40/20 and an impressive assist and make it look easy! Overall, the game reassured me that the Giants have a good enough squad to go all the way this year. I’m excited to see Broughton make his debut, and see how he’s played alongside the on-form McGillvary and Murphy. I’m a huge fan of both Chan and Larne, so I’ll feel a whole lot better about our back row when they’re both back (Chan should be back for Hull KR), but with Ferres, Bruno, Ta’ai and Faiumu in the changing room, things could be a lot worse! Call me an optimist, but there’s a big part of me that believes we can go all the way this year. Although it’s early days. It’s hard to believe that Warrington and Wigan will stay at the bottom for long.

Wigan didn’t necessarily play badly, but without key players Charnley and O’Loughlin it was always going to be a challenge to play at their best. This Giants fan may be a little bias, but I fail to see how Bowen’s challenge against Grix didn’t merit a sin binning or at least a ban. 19-year-old Burgess carried on his form from the Warriors’ preseason; he’s definitely one to watch this year. I’ve been told that this game actually took place in Wigan...which is odd because all I could hear was a bunch of Giants singing I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You.

Off the pitch, I was very impressed with Sky’s coverage. Following BT’s impact on the football side of things, Sky seem to be committed to supporting Super League. This year’s preview advert features Formula 1 star Mark Webber talking about the intensity of rugby league. The whole thing mirrors last year’s promo featuring Sam Tomkins and Bradley Wiggins, relying on the reputation of a household name rather than that of the game itself, but if it builds hype around our sport then that can only be a good thing. The Wiggins advert was hugely popular at the time, I guess Sky decided that if it ain’t broke, why pay your marketing department to fix it?

Then came the Friday we’d been waiting for since that fateful near-miss at the Halliwell Jones Stadium over four months earlier. Over 350,000 people were estimated to have tuned in, beating last season’s opener by 100,000 and eclipsing the 65,000 viewers the rugby union drew in on BT Sports. Following a day of classic Super League, at 7pm we were greeted with a Muse-laden montage of the two sides’ 2013 season, and the triumphant return of Eddie and Stevo. Predictably there was a lot of Tomkins-talk from the start, but soon after, we saw the impressive new Video Ref setup, and everything started to fall back into place. The new Sky deal has gathered a lot of controversy, particularly from the Good Doctor Koukash, but as soon as That Golden Rule started playing, one thing was clear. Super League is back. Here we go again.

I have been interested in Rugby League since I was very young when I went to watch my uncle play for Slaithwaite Saracens one Saturday afternoon with my Granddad. I remember my Granddad explaining to me the rules of the game and I was mesmerised by the sport from the first whistle to the last.

My first Huddersfield Giants match was after I won a competition through a balloon race. I won tickets to the Infirmary cup against Halifax. We had to write our details on a piece of paper tie it to a balloon and let it go. I remember being outside McDonalds and watching it float away as I let go. It never crossed my mind that all these years later I would be going to watch the Giants nearly every game and be a season ticket holder since 1998.

The first match in 1998 was against Bradford Bulls and I went with my family, even getting on the big screen whilst having my face painted! We lost that day but that didn’t stop me going to watch the team. Since then I’ve watched the lows like when we got relegated to the NFP in 2001 to the highs when we gained promotion back to the Super League the year after.

Sadly, my Grandad died in 2002 aged 59, just 24 hours before the giants got promoted back to super league after an unbeaten year in the Northern Ford Premiership. He used to tell me about how he used to love going and standing on the terraces at Fartown and watching the team. The news of his untimely death made the headlines on the front of the examiner with a picture of him with his favourite player Stanley Gene. My family were so proud when Tony Smith and Ralph Rimmer came to the funeral. I thought watching the Giants wouldn’t be the same without him. However, over the years I have met some great friends from coming to the games with my Auntie.

We may not have the biggest fan base in the league, but we have the best! I look forward to every game as I never know when my last game will be.

Send in your stories about becoming a Giants fan and get them published in the fanzine!

How I got watching Huddersfield Giants

Tonia Ellis’ life as a Giants fan

Koukash vs Ken DavyJosh Phillips discusses the two Chairmen, following the Giants’ most

successful season and in the run up to the Salford Devil-ution

Marwan Koukash has lofty ambitions for his newly named ‘Red Devils’ outfit. In just his first full season as the club’s owner, the business tycoon and racehorse trainer is aiming for a top four finish at the first time of asking.

His blueprint for success seems to stem from the world of football with no less than twelve new faces joining the red revolution. The marquee signings of Adrian Morley, Gareth Hock and Rangi Chase bring a wealth of talent and Super League experience to the AJ Bell stadium as well as increasing the profile of the club. An increase that is desperately needed for the current rate of spending to be sustainable given the Red Devils averaged just 3,178 hardy supporters through the turnstiles last campaign.

Even more worrying for Reds fans will be that the team picked up the wooden spoon last time out, albeit with a radically different squad. These facts aren’t lost on Koukash who, as he eloquently puts it, wants to go from “living in a s**t house to living in a penthouse the year after”. While he does appreciate that such a transformation in such a short space of time has never been done before, his methodology does smack of arrogance and a lack of knowledge about the sport.

In a week where the Huddersfield Giants brushed aside the Wigan Warriors on the opening night of Super League IXX, perhaps Koukash should take a look at the methods employed by Giants chief Ken Davy over the last 15 years.

The year is 2001, it’s mid June and Ken Davy has just witnessed his Giants side capitulate in a resounding 78-18 defeat at the hands of Bradford Bulls. Newly appointed coach Tony Smith is left with a mammoth task on his hands to even win a game for the club. Fast forward

just two years and the Giants are an established Super League club. You have to wonder, if Brian Noble’s side were to fall to such a defeat would he be receiving his P45 from the his demanding boss?

Davy has gone through just four coaches since the Giants regained their Super League status in 2003 with almost each year marking a significant improvement in the playing roster. Koukash’s demand for instant success may therefore seem folly given the Super League is a salary capped competition aimed at fostering youth products and discouraging lavish spending. Of course, time will tell whether his methods can work in the game with the Salford owner claiming his new recruits are “going to give me 110 per cent effort.”

His use of the word “me” is of particular note here. While it could be said he has every right to say that they are playing for him given the fact that he is paying their sizeable wage packets, something just doesn’t sit right in the world of rugby league with such comments. For a game based on tradition and fan involvement, it would seem Koukash is applying his self-driven business ideals to the sport and has chosen Salford as his club not because he has always had an affiliation with the club or the city but because they are a struggling club who crucially have links to the city of Manchester, a potential goldmine for rugby league.

However, this may all sound rather cynical as the Palestine born businessman clearly has a genuine interest in the sport as seen when he stood with the Salford fans at the recent friendly at Warrington. But it seems the Salford faithful are not entirely convinced with Koukash’s plans for the club with a low uptake of season tickets for the 2014 season that the owner dubbed “disappointing”.

Yet, the likes of Chase, Sa’u and Hock are surely going to make the Red Devils a force this season? Well, once again we will have to see how they fare once the season has started as such a radical change in a squad has never been seen in Super League history. It could be a roaring success with many pundits being made to eat their words or the project could fall flat on its face.

A quick look through the Huddersfield Giants seventeen who were victorious on Friday night shows only one real big name signing, Danny Brough. Aside from the mercurial man of steel, all players in the squad are academy products, small fee signings or players that were simply unwanted by their former employers. However Reds fans would point to the lack of silverware picked up by the Giants as a downfall of Davy’s master plan. They would also argue that the players brought into their club have almost all got big game experience, specifically experience of winning trophies.

By no means has every single move made by Davy been a correct one, but nobody can argue with his vision throughout the last fourteen years that has bore so much fruit for the Fartown club. Undoubtedly the money invested by Davy is in the millions, but this has not just been splashed on a few big names for one or two seasons. Davy’s investment in the Giants has seen a complete restructure of the club both on and off the field with significant improvements to the academy setup resulting in the likes of McGillvary, Cudjoe and Lawrence all progressing to first team level and exceling.

So, is Koukash chasing a devilish dream that could ruin Super League as we know it? The short answer is no. Marwan Koukash is a one off in the game of rugby league, many would say thankfully. Regardless of whether the Reds’ new venture is successful the game of rugby league is not structured to attract wealthy businessmen trying to buy sporting success thanks to the salary cap.

Will the Red Devils be successful? Only time will tell whether this experiment will show that success can be bought in Super League and whether Koukash will progress the club both on and off the field. In 6 months’ time will Salford be smashing the likes of Wigan, Warrington or Huddersfield in front of packed terraces? Well it seems highly unlikely but I suppose you can’t fault the man for trying to revitalize the sport and reinvigorate a struggling Super League side. But will he be in it for the long haul, especially if there is no immediate success?

Huddersfield Giants Under 16s ScholarshipWe spoke to one of the young lads from the Huddersfield Giants Scholarship program about what it

takes to get in the program and how they are doing in their build up to their first game against Hull KR.Pre-season started way back in October and the new lads who had joined were immediately welcomed

into the team but they weren’t given any special treatment in the tough training sessions ahead. The sessions were hard and included a lot of fitness as we needed to be ready for some fierce encounters later in the year. These fitness sessions combined the basic skills sessions and gym based workouts which this made up our training regime for at least two months.

Then the coaches added a more defensive session including tackle technique as well as a more aggressive and structural outlook on the defensive line. The quality of the lads is very high and everyone has been performing to their fullest to get the best out of each session. After we came back from the Winter break, we started to turn our attention to a more organised attack and at the moment we are working our set plays and moves in game scenarios. The boys are galvanised for the first game of the season and we would love it if some Giants fans came down to watch us.

Their first game is Saturday the 22nd at Huddersfield YMCA, get down and support the future of the Claret and Gold!

Giants Tutus - On Sale now!Fun and Funky for the female Fartowners,

and just £4 each!If you’re interested contact Tonia Ellis at

toniaellis@live.co.uk

Quiz Answers

1. Phil Veivers

2. Ryedale-York

3. 2001

4. Brett Ferres

5. John Skandalis

6. 1953

7. John Kear

8. 1996

9. Liam Fulton

10. 7

Thanks for reading the first issue of Fee Fi Fo Fum.If you enjoyed it, we’re accepting PayPal donations to help us make more issues in the future. If you’d like to write an article, send us your pictures, or get involved in any way, send an email to huddersfieldgiantsfanzine@gmail.com.Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @GiantsFanzine!Thanks to all those who have contributed and read, and we’ll see you in Issue 2!

Huddersfield Giants Supporters AssociationMembership just £5Upcoming events all at Turnbridge WMC;Pre-Match drinks on SundayAn evening with Kieron Purtill, Tuesday 4th at 7:30An evening with Greg Brown, Tuesday 1st April at 7:30

A picture from our most recent event with Tanya Arnold as our guest