Kopczak joins Anderson’s growing Giants
Huddersfield Giants have signed Welsh Captain Craig Kopczak on a three year deal at the John Smith’s Stadium. The 25 year old 6’4” seventeen stone plus prop forward is currently leading his country in the end of season international campaign after which he will join up with the Giants for pre-season training.
Giants Head Coach Paul Anderson told of the attributes that Kopczak will bring: “Firstly he is a very big strong man and for a player of his age to have already made over 120 Super league appearances and plenty of internationals shows that he has always performed well for his teams in the past. He is a player I have watched closely for a number of years and he has gone from a promising youngster to a top line performer and the sort of no nonsense go forward character that I want to see in our forward line next year. “
Craig Kopczak commented: “Huddersfield have been top four material for the past few years and the chance to work with Paul Anderson for me as a fellow prop was too good to miss out on. I have been fed up reading many of the comments attributed to my decision to simply look after my family’s best interest and we are all happy that this is now behind us and we can move forward in a Giants shirt next season. I went through the squad yesterday with my Manager and its going to be an exciting year for the Giants with lots of new signings in there and definitely lots of size. I see no reason at all why we can’t be challenging at the very top and for me I want a massive year to lead into the World Cup.”
Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis commented: “I am delighted to confirm that the Giants have reached agreement with the Bulls in respect of transference of the playing registration of Craig Kopczak which the RFL say will be accepted when they receive the usual paperwork. Craig will be a wonderful addition to our squad and add his considerable presence to our pack. His situation seems to have been played out to almost to death in the media but he now knows a line is drawn under the matter and once his commitments to Wales are complete he will have a short break and then join the Giants pre season preparations. It is fair to say that the RFL have looked into Craig’s situation in some detail and it is pleasing that they do not propose to take any actions against any parties and the matter has been settled amicably in the best interests of all.”
Craig Kopczack is the Seventh of Paul Anderson’s new additions for the 2013 Super League Season, following the capture of Brett Ferres, Ukuma Ta’ai, Stuart Fielden, Ben Blackmore, Shaun Lunt and Anthony Mullally.