Hawks hooker joins Giants

Young Hunslet hooker Louis Stead has joined Super League side Huddersfield on a season-long loan.

Stead, 19, will be looking to continue his development with the Giants, while veteran forward Neil Lowe has signed a one-year contract extension with the Hawks.

Director of Rugby Darren Williams said: “We have high hopes for Louis in the future but with the club concentrating on the development of Parkside Hawks we will not be running a reserve grade in 2011 we realised he wouldn’t get the game time he needs, this deal with Huddersfield will allow him to train and condition himself in a full time environment and we will watch his progress with interest and we expect him to be back and pushing for a first team spot in 2012. “

On Lowe, Williams added: “Neil was one of our most consistent performers in the first half of 2010 before his form dropped a little towards the end, we always wanted to retain him and were delighted he has agreed to extend his stay although he is aware of what our requirements are as we step up into the Championship. “