Giants hand youngster McIntosh full-time deal

Huddersfield Giants have handed 19-year-old outside back Darnell McIntosh a one-year, full-time contract.

The player is yet to make his first-team debut, but has neverthless impressed Giants coach Paul Anderson.

“Darnell had a good off season and has been close to our 17 on a couple of occasions so far, and probably has been unlucky not to do so,” Anderson told his club’s official website.

“This season has shown the need for good depth to all squads and we are constantly looking at the younger players to show the necessary desire and make the sacrifices needed to have a chance to become a professional Super League player at the level we need.

“Darnell has demonstrated many qualities and everyone here at the club is delighted that he has accepted the chance to stay and keep working with us.

“He is yet to tie himself down to a specific position which at his stage of development I think is a useful string to his bow.

“It will be interesting to see where his real strengths lie going forward as he has played full back, wing and centre for the Under 19’s so far.”

The player himself is delighted to have committed his future to the club.

“My two goals at the start of the year were to get a full time contract to stay here longer, and to make my Super league debut,” he said.

“I guess you could say I am half way there, and I hope that when I get back into the academy (McIntosh is currently suspended) I can catch the eye of the coaches and get a start.

“I have been in and around the first team training wise for a while now and that definitely helps me to develop as a player and be ready to take my opportunity when that time comes.”