Huddersfield sack Rick Stone

Rick Stone is the first Super League coach to be sacked this year after being axed by Huddersfield.

The former Newcastle Knights boss took charge of the Giants in 2016, but has parted ways with the club after a poor start to the season.

Huddersfield have only won two of their first seven fixtures and have been on the end of some heavy scorelines.

They were thrashed by bottom four rivals Hull Kingston Rovers 38-6 two weeks ago and was on the end of a 48-10 hiding at Wigan last time out.

Stone’s assistant Chris Thorman will now take over as caretaker coach.

Giants managing director, Richard Thewlis, said: “It is a very difficult call for any Club to make in respect of the Head Coach but the board felt that a change was needed and that the change should be made sooner rather than later with much of the season still to run.

“Rick Stone is an outstanding man, character and coach but the results for us simply haven’t worked out as anyone would have wished for.

“Everyone here will be upset to see Rick leave as he is a very popular man but with this decision now made we focus on supporting Chris Thorman in the role with the recognition that we will be inundated with offers of names wanting to come in – all of which we will evaluate in the fullness of time.

“Chris understands this but he also understands that this is an opportunity for him to put himself forward too as he knows he is very highly thought of in our Club.”