Giants edge Leopards in testy Super League opener

Huddersfield Giants began their 2024 Super League season with a narrow victory over Challenge Cup holders Leigh Leopards in a fractious game.

Tries from Esan Marsters and Adam Milner gave Giants a slim half-time advantage, with Leigh replying through Josh Charnley in a bitty opening 40.

The second half was a battle of attrition in soggy conditions, although Elliot Wallis extended Giants' lead.

Tom Briscoe scored a try to set up a tense finale, but Huddersfield held on.

More to follow.

Leigh: O'Brien; Briscoe, Hardaker, Leutele, Charnley; Moylan, Lam; Amone, Ipape, Mulhern, O'Donnell, Hughes, Asiata.

Interchanges: Norman, Davis, Halton, Nakubuwai

Sin-bin: Asiata (33), Leutele (44).

Huddersfield: Connor; Swift, Marsters, Naiqama, Wallis; Clune, Russell; Hill, Milner, Ikahihifo, Murchie, Hewitt, Cudjoe.

Interchanges: Golding, English, Wilson, Salabio.

Referee: Jack Smith.