Giants snap up another youngster

Huddersfield Giants have signed 19-year-old academy hooker Matthew Whitaker on a two-year full time Super League contract.

The former England under 16 International has been rewarded with the deal following impressive displays in the Senior Academy and his terrific attitude training in the full time environment. Whitaker also impressed at the club’s pre-season training trip to Portugal where he was a late replacement for the injured Martin Aspinwall.

Jon Sharp was pleased to secure Whitakers services:

“There’s a lot about Matt that makes me think he can make it. He was invited to train with the first team last year and I was impressed with a lot of what he did.”

“Matt’s very professional and thorough in his performance and is keen to learn. He’s tough, quick and has a lot of skill. To be honest he reminds me, physically of a young Keiron Cunningham. If he can be half as good Keiron, then Matt will turn out to be an exceptional player, I have hopes he will.”

Sharp added:

“The signings of Matt, Sam Barlow and Leroy Cudjoe are an indication of the long-term recruitment and planning of the Giants. This area is extremely important for the future of the club and these signings show our commitment to youth development. We will hopefully see the rewards of the continued long term planning in years to come.”