GIANTS old boy Matty Dawson scored a hat-trick when Leigh clinched promotion to Super League last season with 48-40 victory over Huddersfield.

However, Dawson insists that win will count for little when the sides square up again at the Leigh Sports Village tomorrow night.

The wingman said: “It will have some bearing but not much. Both squads have had a lot of changes since then.

“But it is another big game. Giants were a team who finished in the bottom four last season and are coming off a heavy defeat to Hull last week.

“So, they will be looking to put that right and get the win.

“I didn’t watch that whole game but you can see their squad was depleted which is why the result was like it was.”

Giants could have England stars Leroy Cudjoe and Jermaine McGillvary back after injury though Dawson points to another potential danger man in the opposition ranks.

Ex Leigh favourite Ryan Brierley is likely to face his former team mates for the first time since his acrimonious move across the Pennines.

“I played alongside Ryan at Academy level at ‘Cas’ and everyone who watches rugby league knows what he is about.

“He is a threat with the ball and was a try scoring machine at Leigh. That’s why he was held in such high regard here so I am sure he will be keen to comeback and prove a point.”

Dawson, who left Huddersfield for St Helens in 2013, also hopes to show former paymasters what they are missing. “I look forward to every game but when you have played for a club before it’s always a bit mores special,” he acknowledges.

Leigh will again be without Cory Paterson (concussion) and Glenn Stewart (ribs) for Huddersfield’s visit. But Adam Higson comes back into contention as part of a number of expected changes to the squad beaten 20-0 at Wigan last Friday. Jamie Acton is also available for selection despite being found guilty of making a ‘dangerous’ tackle against the world champions.

The combative forward was one of three Leigh players involved in bringing down Joe Burgess that ended with the Warriors winger helped off with a knee injury.

“There were elements in the tackle that are legal and there is no issue with sweeping the leg,” said Jukes. “The law tells you that.

“Unfortunately the bloke got an injury but not every injury should be sanctioned with a ban. I don’t think that was the case with this one either.”

Acton pleaded not guilty, escaped a ban for the Grade A offence but was fined £300.

Huddersfield have won two of their first four fixtures while Leigh managed a solitary success over St Helens during their mega tough start.

“It’s a game between two teams people are tipping to be in or around the bottom four at the end of the year,” added Jukes.

“So, it’s important we don’t let them get a gap on us.

“I am disappointed because I thought we could have had another two points.

“To come away with six points from our first six games from the run we’ve had would be an incredible return.

“But we can’t look too far ahead especially with a game coming up between two teams scrapping for points.”