New Huddersfield deal for Lolesi

James Gordon

Huddersfield have handed Kiwi back rower Jamahl Lolesi a new two-year deal.

Lolesi, 28, arrived at the Galpharm Stadium at the beginning of 2007, and helped the Giants to a comprehensive 54-6 win over Wakefield on Sunday.

The former New Zealand international has won two NRL Grand Final’s and is looking for success with Huddersfield.

He said: “It’s really good news we’ve sorted a deal out. With Nathan Brown coming in as head coach it made the decision a lot easier.

“I’ve really enjoyed my three years at the club and we’ve worked hard in that time and come a long way and we’ve worked hard to get where we are.

“The club is on the brink of some good things and I want to be a part of it. I’ve achieved what I’ve wanted to achieve in Australia with winning the premiership and representing my country.

“The next step is over here and the big challenge now is to achieve something here in Super League and the Challenge Cup.

“I don’t want to go home wondering what might have been.

“I’m also pleased to stay here because I enjoy the camaraderie and the joking around, although at the end of the day, it’s about what happens on the pitch.

“I want to win, and when I go home I want to go home with some honours.”

Giants coach Nathan Brown admitted that he wasn’t sure whether he would offer Lolesi a deal at the start of the year.

He said: “This contract is a reward for the work Jamahl has put in since I’ve been here.

“We had an open mind about what would happen with him this season.

“At the start of the year, we asked to see some improvement in him and, to his credit, he’s worked hard to achieve just that, which is pleasing.

“There’s no doubt he brings a lot to the table, both on and off the field, and I know that with the improvements he’s been making he can bring even more to the side in the future.”