Giants and Wildcats in player swap

Correspondent

The Wildcats have secured a deal with the Giants that will see Danny Kirmond and Andy Raleigh move to Wakefield, and the sale of Aaron for an undisclosed fee, which will be put straight into Head Coach Richard Agar’s budget for further player recruitment.

Andy Raleigh joins the Wildcats after a 5 year spell at Huddersfield. The strong running forward has signed a two year deal to keep him in the Red, White and Blue until the end of 2013. Andy is a hard working, powerful player operating in the  back row or prop.

Danny Kirmond returns to Wakefield after enjoying a one year loan spell at Belle Vue in 2010. The 25 year old second rower has joined the Wildcats on a three year deal after signing for the Giants back in 2008. Danny is a versatile player who causes a threat to the opposition with ball in hand and his familiarity with the club will no doubt see him fit straight back into the Wildcats.

Aaron Murphy has signed a three year deal at the Huddersfield club that will see him play in the claret and gold until 2014. Despite being offered a new three year contract extension at The Wildcats, Aaron has chosen to move clubs and begin a career with the Giants.

Wildcats Chief Executive commented James Elston commented, “Despite our best efforts I am very disappointed that Aaron Murphy will no longer be a part of the future at Wakefield, however we are keen to make sure we stick to our faith of developing young British talent and I am confident the we have players, such as Danny Cowling and Lucas Walshaw, coming through that will successfully fill those shoes.”

“We are delighted to have Danny and Andy on board for the future, both players will add fantastic value to the Club and the squad alike. They have both featured in the final two play off games for the Giants proving the quality and calibre of the players that they are.”

“As a club we have set out to retain our youth and develop home grown talent however we are in a commercial industry and would be foolish to hold on to players who don’t want to play at Wakefield.”

“If we are to lose players we must get maximum value for our investment in that player, this deal gives us that. Both Andy and Danny have played well all year at the Giants and played in the final playoff games, proving the quality of the players that they are.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Aaron for his time here at Wakefield and wish him all the best for the future.”

Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis commented “There has been much speculation surrounding these players recently and now that all paperwork is concluded and lodged at Red Hall both ourselves and the Wildcats can formally announce the changes to our respective squads.”

“From our perspective it is no secret that the Giants were one of several clubs keen to sign Aaron at the beginning of this season. We are delighted that he has chosen to join the Giants.”

“We approached Aaron earlier in the year when Wakefield were in Administration with permission from the administrators and to his credit he asked to see the year out with his teammates before wanting to come to us in the off season. While this announcement looks like a player swap the reality is all three players had several clubs keen to sign them.”

“For the record we would like to thank both Andy and Danny for their excellent service to the claret and gold and wish them well in the future at a club that like ourselves looks to have exciting times ahead.”