Huddersfield in Hinchcliffe swoop

James Gordon

Huddersfield have signed Melbourne forward Ryan Hinchcliffe on a three-year deal from next season.

Hinchcliffe, 30, is part of the Storm leadership group and captained the side in their most recent NRL game against Penrith.

Giants coach Paul Anderson said: “This is a huge signing for our club and in truth Ryan has been our number one target to bring in for quite some time now. 

“He is a quality nine but equally at home at loose forward. He has been in one of the best environments in Rugby league at Melbourne for seven years now being an automatic pick in the side. 

“His defensive efforts are up there with the best and I particularly like what he will bring with his leadership and experience in big games. 

“You simply don’t get to lead the Melbourne Storm side out unless you have very special qualities and his NRL record is outstanding.  

“We are looking forward immensely to welcoming him and his family to our club.”

Hinchcliffe will fly into the UK in late November for pre-season training.

He said: “Huddersfield made their interest known quite some time back and I’ve had a few chats with coach Paul Anderson about the team and what he’s looking for. 

“They’ve been close to the top for a few years and I hope that I can help them build on that. 

 

“The reality is though it’s a big move for me and the family to a new culture and we hope we can repay Huddersfield’s faith in us.”