Super League 2020 is starting to take shape following this morning's fixture announcement. There promises to be some great fixtures for the Cowbell Army - here's five we've picked out as potential highlights
Be sure to check out our Fixtures Page for the full list, and to add our upcoming games directly to your calendar! And don't miss our breakdown of all our 2020 Fixtures!
Saturday 1st February
The Giants will face one of their biggest challenges in Round 1 this year with their annual trip to Perpignan booked in for February 1st, in a repeat of the final game of our 2019 season, one of the biggest in the club’s recent history. And while we sealed the win in that game, bringing back the two points from the south of France will be anything but easy. With more squad movement than the Giants have grown accustomed to in recent seasons, we’ll still no doubt be working out some of the kinks, particularly in our spine which will almost certainly feature a new fullback in Ashton Golding and – if things go to plan – a Gaskell/Sezer halfback combo. Edwards will be itching to get a piece of his old teammates, and the prospect of Sezer and Maloney facing off in their Super League debut should be enough to get any fan excited
Sunday 9th February
One week later the John Smith’s Stadium will open its doors for its first Super League game of the decade, and it promises to be a huge one. There’s a lot of parallels to be had between the two Yorkshire clubs, most notably neither one has performed to their potential in recent years and will be hoping some shrewd signings will get them back to their best. While it remains to be seen whether Leeds’ signing of Luke Gale will prove worthwhile, they’ll have another newbie who’ll be all too familiar to Giants fans in Alex Mellor. Leeds at home is typically one of the more entertaining games of the year (2019 being the obvious exception) and on a Sunday afternoon we’ll be hoping for a good atmosphere to really get our season on the right track.
Sunday 12th April
With the controversial Easter doubles scrapped for 2020, the Giants will be putting their eggs on hold as they take their first of two confirmed trips to the Jungle on Easter Sunday. When the final whistle goes, we'll have played a third of our fixtures and the table will be really starting to take shape
Sunday 24th May
How can you not be excited for this one. The Kings of Magic Weekend up against the League’s new boys, Toronto Wolfpack. With a welcome return to St James’ Park, the Giants will open up proceedings on the Sunday in what could prove to be the game of the weekend. The Canadian outfit will be out of their honeymoon period and will be looking to establish themselves as a consistent Super League side, while the Giants will be looking to go 8 years unbeaten at the showpiece event
Saturday 8th August
By far the easiest choice for this list. Those feeling a little shafted by a Round 1 trip to Perpignan will have no complaints here, as the Giants head for their first North American fixture in August. Whether you’re watching at home or making the trip out yourself, it will be a historic moment for the club and we can only hope the game itself will do it justice!
Feel like we've missed something? Let us know what games you're excited for!