By Richard Sykes
Huddersfield RUFC begin their 2024/25 campaign with a pre-season home game versus Old Brodleians at Lockwood Park tomorrow (Saturday August 17) and head coach Danny Brough has assembled a sizeable squad of players for the first run out and is keen to get things underway.
The former Huddersfield Giants captain and Scottish rugby league international took over the coaching reins at Lockwood Park towards the end of last season which ended with relegation from the National Leagues.
He is optimistic that the team will be competitive in the Regional 1 North East Division this season.
Although frustrated by the inevitable unavailability of players for training in the summer holidays Brough is pleased with the way preparations have gone in the close season.
He said: “We have retained most of the old guard and made some new signings and the lads have put a massive amount of effort into training.
“New captain Liam Parfitt and vice-captain Lewis Workman have worked particularly hard and led by example.
“Our aim this year is to produce success through team work rather than a reliance on individuals and create genuine competition for places.
“We are without seven first teamers for tomorrow’s game but some of last year’s Colts have raised their hand to step up to the plate.
“Lance Barker will be featuring at fly-half. He is very talented and has good hands, a great kicking game and he reads the game well.
“Seventeen-year-old back rower Sam Haywood is also showing a lot of promise. He is a strong defender and good ball carrier.”
Brough is hopeful that Huddersfield will be able to field three teams at senior level this year and wants to create a culture of inclusivity by ensuring all players spend plenty of time together.
He said: “I want our success to be based on effort and hard work. I don’t want to be unrealistic but think we will be there or thereabouts this season and I am very hopeful of a top four finish.”
Huddersfield’s First XV begin their league fixtures with an away match at Sandal on September 7. Tomorrow’s warm up match kicks off at 3pm and admission to the game is free of charge.
Image by: RAY MORRIS
