Huddersfield Giants begin their Engage Super League season with a home derby tonight against Bradford Bulls under the cloud cast by the arrest during a pre-season camp of six unnamed players, who are on police bail until March 18 on allegations of rape.

The six, who will not be identified unless charged, remain available for selection while the claims against them are investigated by police in Newcastle upon Tyne, where a woman alleged that she was attacked last month. The club are co-operating with inquiries but insist that a controversial close season has not impacted on preparations for the visit of Bradford.

After last year’s third-place finish, Nathan Brown, the Huddersfield coach, is confident of further improvement, especially with David Fa’alogo, the New Zealand World Cup-winning forward, and Lee Gilmour, the former Great Britain international, bolstering an already formidable pack. “We’ve definitely got more depth. A bigger squad, hopefully, allows us to be more competitive,” Brown said.

Two more signings, Scott Grix and Graeme Horne, also make their debuts against Bradford, who have been busy in the transfer market. The former Manly Sea Eagles trio of Matt Orford, Glenn Hall and Heath L’Estrange take their bows for the Bulls along with Brett Kearney, signed from Cronulla.

Leeds Rhinos renew their rivalry with Castleford Tigers, who lost 76-12 on their previous visit to Headingley Carnegie in August. Jamie Peacock, the England captain, and Brent Webb, the New Zealand full back, return for Leeds tonight after being rested for the champions’ opening victory against Crusaders in Wrexham last Friday.

The Welsh side, after an encouragingly competitive 65 minutes before they succumbed 34-6 to the Rhinos, travel to Wigan Warriors, Brian Noble’s club until his switch to coach Crusaders.

Michael Maguire, Noble’s Australian successor at Wigan, gives a debut tonight to the club’s only new signing, Paul Deacon, the former Bradford and England scrum half.