Plenty of connections for Jack Cogger upon Huddersfield arrival
It’s a small world, as the old saying goes.
Australian half-back Jack Cogger has joined Huddersfield ahead of the 2021 campaign on a two-year deal, where he will play alongside English playmaker Olly Russell. Cogger’s uncle John and Russell’s dad Richard played together for Oldham in the early 1990s.
Jack told The Final Hooter podcast: “My old man (Trevor) and two uncles (John & Jamie) played over here, one (John) stayed for a lot longer.
“I think he was here for five or six years and I’m pretty sure he might have played with Olly Russell’s dad, so there are connections everywhere. My old man played for Leigh who have obviously been promoted into the Super League this year.”
READ: Big future ahead for Huddersfield youngster Olly Russell
And this season will not be Cogger’s first time of playing in England, having toured with the Australian Schoolboys back in 2014 with the likes of Latrell Mitchell, Brock Lamb, Jayden Brailey, Keegan Hipgrave and Tyrell Fuimaono.
The Australian Schoolboys took on the England Academy at the Leigh Sports Village, where his dad Trevor received his heritage number.
Jack added: “That was a pretty good week. We played two games there and my dad came to watch us play.
“I think he got presented his player number for Leigh. They didn’t have that concept when he played but he came back and the club presented him his playing number. I got to play at Leigh in 2014 but my dad got a bit out of it as well.”
Cogger, who has made 42 appearances in the NRL for Newcastle Knights and Canterbury Bulldogs, hopes Huddersfield coach Ian Watson can help take his game to the next level.
He said: “I spoke to Watto before anything and was one of the main reasons why I came to the club.
“It is a pretty big move to make to I wanted to make sure the coach was going to get the best out of me and help take my game to the next level.
“Him being a former half obviously helps that but his whole philosophy on the game and the style of play he wants Huddersfield to play really suits me and I’m really excited for the season ahead.
“For the last five years I’ve been in and out of the NRL and played with some pretty quality playmakers so I think the idea of me coming to Super League was to get some consistent game time instead of being in and out of squads and playing week in, week out and I want to bring some of the stuff I’ve learned in the NRL over the years to Super League.”
ALSO READ: Joe Wardle on: Huddersfield’s play-off ambitions, reaching a final & Ian Watson
The free-to-play Fantasy Rugby League 2021 is live! To access the game and start playing, visit https://fantasy.loverugbyleague.com
Rugby League Nostalgia is here! Get involved with Love Rugby League’s new group on Facebook to share all your rugby league nostalgia and celebrate the rich heritage of our sport.