CALLUM WALKER reviews a season for the Giants that promises better things ahead.
The hope
Luke Robinson had been appointed as Huddersfield’s permanent coach following an interim period at the helm in 2024.
Appointed on a three-year deal, the future plan was all laid out – and there was a feeling that the seven wins accrued in 2025 would be overtaken in 2026.
The Giants had brought back Olly Russell from Wakefield Trinity, with the halfback enjoying a fruitful spell with his Academy club before heading for pastures new.
Niall Evalds was also signed permanently, whilst hungry NRL reserve-grade stars Asher O’Donnell and Chris Patolo were expected to add size and power up front.
The reality
Could it really have gone much worse from the very first whistle for Huddersfield and Luke Robinson in particular?
Injuries are part and parcel of Rugby League, but the Giants must have been cursing their luck as the likes of influential quartet Adam Clune, Tui Lolohea, Liam Sutcliffe and Adam Swift were just some of those facing months at a time on the sidelines.
Huddersfield lost their first five Super League fixtures, with a 26-14 defeat to newly-promoted Bradford Bulls spelling the end of Robinson’s tenure at the Accu Stadium.
Robinson’s assistant, Liam Finn, took over and won two out of two – including an incredible 34-16 win over Wigan Warriors on their own patch. But it was all downhill from there for Finn as the Giants lost their next four.
Former Gold Coast Titans assistant Jim Lenihan took over the reins in May, yet the Giants still lost their next eight games.
A remarkable turnaround towards the back end of the season, however, saw Lenihan steer Huddersfield to six wins from their last eight, climbing off the bottom of the ladder to finish 12th with eight victories.
Best players
Jacob Gagai had impressed during his first year at Huddersfield in 2025, but the former South Sydney Rabbitohs man stepped it up a gear or two in 2026.
The 30-year-old registered 15 tries in 27 appearances as other Super League clubs began to circle for Gagai’s signature. Warrington Wolves won the race as Gagai’s good form was rewarded.
Although he was on the field for just 11 games in 2026, Adam Clune’s importance to this Huddersfield side should not be underestimated and it was no surprise that when Clune lined up for the Giants that they were significantly better.
A special mention should also go to Zac Woolford, who continued to impress at hooker – when he wasn’t out with injury.
In quotes
“Obviously there’s some things I’m really aggrieved about and I disagree with. I could have come out and said but I’ve always held my cards close to my chest and I think it’s the honourable thing to do. There’s a lot of good people at Huddersfield, there are good people there. The staff are exceptional and there’s a lot of good players there. I’ll always have a place in my heart for Huddersfield really as a club. It’s just sport, it is what it is.” – Luke Robinson after being given his marching orders in March.
“We are happy to get the win and get off the mark, but obviously bitterly disappointed that my mate Robbo is not here. He was the one that put the team together. Ironically, the week he is not there, I get to name the (squad numbers) one, six, seven and nine in a Huddersfield Giants’ starting line-up for the first time in over 18 months. That stings a little bit and it does not give me great pleasure. I know Robbo would have enjoyed that as much as anybody, especially at the place where he made his Super League debut.” – Liam Finn pays tribute to Luke Robinson as Huddersfield win their first game of the season.
“At the moment, if we’re doing anything half-well, it gets undone. If we’re trying too hard, it undoes us. We have to win a game-and-a-half or nearly two games to get it to a situation where we win. It feels like we’re copping a lot of tough calls. It’s an unconscious bias because we’re not supposed to be scoring points here. We cannot catch a break at Huddersfield because we’re not supposed to win.” – Jim Lenhian took aim at referees following their 11th straight defeat. He was later fined.
In numbers
12 – the number of games Huddersfield lost in a row before Jim Lenihan finally broke that drought against York in July.
102 – days Huddersfield spent at the bottom of the Super League ladder between May and August before their late rally.
8,934 – fans turned up for the Giants’ home clash against Catalans Dragons in August, taking advantage of free entry as the club announced the move to Dewsbury for 2027.
Highlights
A run of six victories from their final eight games stunned the rest of Super League, but the 34-16 win over Wigan back in March in Liam Finn’s first game was scarcely believable.
A 30-18 triumph over Leigh Leopards in August was also an interesting result, given that the Leopards were chasing for a play-off spot.
Lowlights
A 52-0 loss to Leeds Rhinos in May epitomised the dreadful state of the Giants, with further hammerings by Hull KR (52-12) and Leeds again (56-22) not exactly doing much for confidence.
Luke Robinson’s sacking after just six Super League games, despite signing a three-year deal just six months earlier, encapsulated the demoralisation surrounding the club early on.
Looking ahead
Jim Lenihan got his Huddersfield squad firing on all cylinders towards the back end of the campaign. But, with the loss of Jacob Gagai, Adam Clune, Taane Milne and Matty English, it will be a big rebuild as the Giants gear up to play out of Dewsbury Rams’ home stadium for 2027.
Jake Arthur (Hull FC), Jordy Crowther (Warrington), Jeylan Hodgson (Goole Vikings), Jaimin Jolliffe (Gold Coast Titans), Kruise Leeming (Wigan) have all signed so far, with Lenihan appearing to conjure up a recipe for success when all looked lost.
