Adam Milner’s Huddersfield switch confirmed, with interesting contract details

Josh McAllister
Adam Milner, SWPix

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

Huddersfield have confirmed the signing of Adam Milner from Castleford on an initial season-long loan, before joining the club on a permanent deal.

Milner will then make the move to the John Smith’s Stadium on a one-year deal until the end of 2024, with the club holding an option for 2025.

The 31-year-old has played all his career to date with the Tigers spanning 13 years.

He made his Super League debut against Huddersfield back in 2010, and has recently progressed into a versatile player able to fill at hooker, back-rower or loose forward.

Milner will be ineligible to play tomorrow night for Huddersfield against Castleford at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Adam Milner on first-ever career move

“I can’t wait to get going,” Milner said.

“I think I’m at a stage in my career where a new club, different environment and fresh challenge was needed and hopefully this can bring the best out of me.

“Ian Watson is a great coach what he and his teams have done and achieved in the past appealed to me.

“Having been at Castleford for all my career I feel like I have got almost everything possible out of the club to achieve, and when an ambitious club like the Giants who are striving to be a top four club come knocking, I want to be part of that.

“The foundations I pride myself on as a player are putting in lots of effort and hard work and being good at all the little things required in the game.

“Hopefully this can help out the team, as well as my experience I’ve gained in the game, I’ll look forward to working with the younger lads.

“Ultimately, I want to come here and win something. I strongly believe that Huddersfield is a club that can do that.”

Huddersfield coach on new signing

Head coach Ian Watson added: “The key thing to know about him is the way he plays the game, he’s very like Ash Golding in that, he’s very energetic, very competitive and plays with that level of enthusiasm and that’s what we need.

“We need that bigger body defensively and someone who is going to work as hard as he works week in, week out.

“He’s done it for years, he got to international level by doing that as well.

“So we want him to come here and we just want him to be himself and play that way, add that energy to us add that drive to compete.

“He’ll be a great asset to us going forward.”

Adam Milner exits Castleford

Milner rose through the academy ranks at Wheldon Road, going on to make more than 300 appearances for the club.

He was a part of the side that reached the 2021 Challenge Cup final by defeating Warrington in the semi-finals to reach Wembley.

The Wakefield-born player won the League Leaders’ Shield in 2017, with his performances earning him an England call-up during the test series against New Zealand in 2018, making his debut in the build-up against France. 

The now-utility started at loose forward at Old Trafford in the 2017 Super League Grand Final against Leeds.

“I am immensely proud to have worn the Cas colours”

In a statement on Castleford, Milner added: “My time at Castleford Tigers has come to an end. It’s been my life for 13+ years.

“From making my debut at 18 years old in 2010, to going on to make 301 appearances and featuring in both a Grand Final and a Challenge Cup final and being part of the first Cas team to ever win the league in 2017.

“I can honestly say I have put my heart and soul into the club and have got everything and more out of it.

“Personally I have had some of the most incredible experiences that’ll never be forgotten and made some of the best friendships along the way.

“I am immensely proud to have worn the Cas colours and represent this amazing club for so long.

“It has been an incredibly emotional time for me to leave but I am looking forward to a new challenge.

“I would just like to finish by saying a massive thank you to everyone, the players, coaches, my sponsors and all the Fords faithful that have supported me throughout my time at the club and most importantly my family for their support.”

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