Game Preview: @ Sheffield Giants

Mon Jun 15 2026

Sheffield Giants vs. Yorkshire Academy Rams

21 June 2026, 2:00pm

Norton Sports Park, Sheffield

Rams @ Giants

Latest results:

The first meeting between the two sides this season was also both teams’ most recent outing.

One To Watch

#1 Dan Haywood

#1 Dan Haywood

Dan Haywood proved himself one of the most versatile players on the Rams roster in the 47-0 victory over the Giants earlier this month. Listed as a wide receiver and safety, Haywood stepped into the quarterback role after starter Michael Rojas departed in the third quarter and did not miss a beat, throwing two touchdown passes to Iby Sardar and a third to Ben Dolan to close out the rout.

Haywood also made his mark on special teams, pinning the Giants inside their own five-yard line with a precision punt that set up the Rams' second safety of the afternoon. His all-round contribution earned him the Special Teams MVP award on the day.

Whether lining up at receiver, in the secondary, or under center, Haywood's ability to influence the game from multiple positions makes him one to keep an eye on at Norton Sports Park.

One To Watch

#2 Anthony Marsden

#2 Anthony Marsden

A familiar name to Rams supporters, Anthony Marsden missed the first meeting between the two sides this season but could return for the Giants at Norton Sports Park. The former Ram, who made the switch to Sheffield in 2015, earned the Defensive MVP award in the Giants' win over the Clyde Valley Blackhawks earlier in the campaign and remains one of the most experienced players on the Sheffield roster.

Marsden's absence was notable in the 47-0 defeat at West Leeds, and the Giants will be hoping his presence can shore up a defence that has conceded 155 points in five games. If he does feature, limiting his impact will be a key task for the Rams offence.

Images courtesy of Rob Hall

Last 5 meetings:

  • 7 June 2026: RAMS 47 - 0 Sheffield Giants
  • 20 July 2025: RAMS 49 - 6 Sheffield Giants
  • 29 June 2025: Sheffield Giants 0 - 42 RAMS
  • 23 June 2024: RAMS 0 - 1 Sheffield Giants (Forfeit - ineligible player)
  • 02 June 2024: Sheffield Giants 0 - 20 RAMS

For all previous meetings, click here.

Summary

The Rams travel to Norton Sports Park for the return fixture against the Sheffield Giants, looking to complete the season double over their local rivals and tighten their grip on second place in the NFC 1 North. Sitting at 5-1, Yorkshire trail the unbeaten Newcastle Vikings and will be keen to head into the final game of the regular season with momentum.

Yorkshire arrive in formidable form, having won four on the bounce since the narrow defeat at Newcastle in gameweek two. The 47-0 shutout of the Giants at West Leeds was the latest in a run of dominant displays, with the defence forcing three interceptions and two safeties on the day. The offence has been equally impressive, racking up 246 points in six games, while the team has conceded just 30.

The Giants sit bottom of the NFC 1 North at 1-4 and will still be smarting from the shutout at West Leeds two weeks ago. Their sole win this season came against the Clyde Valley Blackhawks, and the return of Anthony Marsden could provide a welcome boost to a defence that has struggled to contain opponents this term. Playing at home at Norton Sports Park, Sheffield will be determined to put in a more competitive showing in front of their own supporters.

With four consecutive victories over the Giants and a dominant head-to-head record, the stage is set for the Rams to sign off on the season series in style — but local derbies have a habit of writing their own script, and the Giants will be eager to restore some pride on home turf.