GIANTS chiefs are confident the club’s rising stars are ready to face the might of a second top Championship side. Just a week after giving a good account of themselves at Batley, a mixture of Under 20s and Under 18s are preparing to tackle Halifax at The Shay (3.00). Once again, their hosts will be fielding a strong senior line-up, guaranteed to give the youngsters the toughest of challenges. But after producing a battling display at Mount Pleasant, when the Giants conceded three late tries to in losing 44-10, Head of Youth Performance Pete Riding is confident his young players can give an excellent account of themselves. “This period is all about challenging these talented young players,” said Riding. “And, right now, they are all coming up with the right answers. “This weekend is again the chance for them to prove they have the potential to make it in the game. “They showed signs of that at Batley and we’re expecting them to show some more at Halifax. “Clearly, the youngsters found it tough, physically, against Batley last week, which is why they struggled towards the end of each half. “And that could again be the case this weekend. “But skills-wise, our boys showed how gifted they are, and that was incredibly encouraging to see. It bodes well for the future ahead.” Riding also knows another solid showing this weekend would do wonders for the young players’ confidence. “Everyone was buzzing after the Batley game,” added Riding. “That was then taken into training, which this week has been excellent. It’s hard to put a price on how much confidence has grown. “As a result, this game at Halifax can’t come quick enough!” Although the bulk of this weekend’s squad is the same as it was at Batley, there are several notable additions. Leading the way is Aaron Murphy (pictured), who is poised to make his Giants debut at full-back, while fellow Super League squad men Josh Johnson, Matty Sarsfield and Jamie Cording will also feature. Admission to Sunday’s clash is £10 for adults, £5 concessions and £2 juniors. Giants: Aaron Murphy; Elliott Gorman, Scott Farnsworth, Joel Farrell, Freddie Walker; Ben Whitehead, Scott Owen; Josh Johnson, Steven Kiss, Matty Sarsfield, Joe Fox, Joe Walker, Jamie Cording. Subs: Jack Carvell, Jack Blagbrough, Tom Thackeray, Chris Cullimore, Danny Kean, Ryan Bradbury, Jake O’Grady, James Chester. Would fans note the Giants’ £50 season-ticket deadline comes to an end at 5pm tonight. | 
