Ferres turns down NRL to remain a Giant

Huddersfield Giants have confirmed that England back rower Brett Ferres has rejected approaches from the NRL to sign a contract extension at the club.

He should now remain in the claret and gold until the end of the 2019 season.

“Huddersfield have been very good to me and since being here I’ve moved into the England set up which was one of my aims and we’ve established ourselves at the top end of the table,” said Ferres.

“I did have the option to go to the NRL at the end of this season, but with Huddersfield wanting me longer term and the security that brought with it to me and the family, who are very settled here, I was only too happy to stay.

“I’ve enjoyed being in the leadership group here and I am certain that we have a very bright future which I want to play a leading role in.

“This year we’ve not yet hit our straps consistently which is our challenge and longer term we have some international juniors boosting the squad who I hope I can set a good example for and who will ultimately come into the team.

“The signing of Sam Rapira looks a great move for us and I hope that my commitment will help every area of the club going forward.”

Giants head coach Paul Anderson is pleased that a quality international player has opted to remain with the club.

“Brett is an international quality player and every team needs those guys to lead and perform well both on and off the field,” he said.

“He is one of our go to men when we need a play and a leader and someone who would enhance any team in the competition.

“His retention long term is great news for the club and the UK Super League as a whole as we were aware of interest elsewhere in his services.”

Huddersfield managing director Richard Thewlis hinted that more players would soon be confirmed as Giants.

“Brett initially signed for five years with us but with the option for overseas at the end of this year being in his favour,” he said.

“Whilst away with England he like many others in the international set up attracted interest which we were kept fully in the loop with as we’d expect of one of our leading professionals.

“Indeed we see it as a sign of our enhanced reputation when Giants players are being closely monitored and are clearly of interest Down Under.

“Ultimately though when Brett and his family decided to stay in the UK extending his time with us for two additional years to those already contracted seemed the logical move for all concerned and enables the club to have the security of one of our leaders being around for the foreseeable future.

“Not only is Brett a great player but he is also highly influential within the game and everyone here is delighted to have him in our colours.

“We can continue our work on developing a top class squad with one of our cornerstones in place and I’d expect more announcements to soon follow on.”