Huddersfield Giants boss Luke Robinson has allayed fears about the fitness of Niall Evalds and Adam Clune after leaving the key duo out of his squad for Friday's Challenge Cup third-round tie at Hunslet.

Full-back Evalds featured just twice for the Giants last year following his early-season arrival, while half-back Clune – who was named captain during the off-season – was restricted to six appearances.

Their absence has sparked concerns ahead of next week's Super League kick-off but Robinson insists there is no cause for alarm.

"It's a little bit of precaution," he said.

"We've had a really good pre-season and they've both trained really well. They're not injured at the moment – it's literally just a precaution.

"We've put a lot of hard work in and want to hit the ground running. Anybody who has a slight little niggle or a knock, we're not going to risk them."

Robinson has ready-made replacements in George Flanagan Jr and Oliver Russell, allowing the Giants to err on the side of caution.

Huddersfield have not had that same luxury in recent times, admits Robinson.

Luke Robinson dealt with an injury crisis throughout 2025. (Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Luke Robinson dealt with an injury crisis throughout 2025. (Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

"We're very different this year," he added.

"Even when the top teams lose their spine players, it makes it difficult for them. Your one, six, seven and nine are so important to the way you play because they're your generals.

"The difference for us this year is that we have greater squad depth. Olly Russell is a seasoned pro who knows how to win games. It was sink or swim for George Flanagan last year and he swam.

"This time around, if Niall and Cluney don't play, we've got adequate cover."

Adam Clune, left, spent much of last season on the sidelines. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

Huddersfield travel to the South Leeds Stadium in a repeat of last year when they claimed a comfortable 34-6 win.

Robinson views the Challenge Cup as a genuine chance to win silverware.

"I always drill into the overseas lads about the importance of the cup," he said.

"If you're English, the Challenge Cup is on a par with the Grand Final. I don't care what anyone says.

John Cartwright's Hull FC take on Salford. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"It means everything to me. We've been close in the past and want to go one step further now.

"This isn't a warm-up game before Super League – it's a real opportunity to achieve something."

Elsewhere on Friday night, Hull FC kick off their cup campaign at Salford RLFC.

The fallen Super League club are unrecognisable following their rebirth but John Cartwright is not taking them lightly.

"We're taking the game very seriously," said the Hull boss. "It's a Challenge Cup game and we'll treat it with the respect that it deserves and the opposition with the respect that they deserve.

"We want to put a performance together that gets us ready for Bradford."

Sheffield Eagles, who have locked horns with Wigan Warriors in previous campaigns, face another daunting task at Warrington Wolves.

Craig Lingard expects to learn more about his side against the nine-time winners.

"We're probably not going to come up against a team as good as Warrington this year in the Championship so it's a great chance to see where we are," said the Eagles boss, whose side were originally due to host the tie before it was moved to the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

"We think we're in a half-decent position with the new squad we've got. We're playing against a world-class side and will see where we need to improve."