Rick Stone appointed as Huddersfield coach
Huddersfield has confirmed former Newcastle Knights and Fiji coach Rick Stone as its new head coach.
Stone will take over from Paul Anderson after Anderson left the club earlier this season.
The 49-year-old is planning to fly into the UK ahead of the game with St Helens and assume immediate control of all team matters being assisted by former Giants players Chris Thorman and Luke Robinson.
Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis said: “Firstly I have to say that the level of interest in our position was overwhelming and I thank all those who showed a desire to become Giants coach at a very difficult time at the club.
“It is certainly a morale boost to see that we are still viewed as a highly attractive proposition both in the UK and overseas. We were very keen to go through our process here in private away from the public eye and in a quiet professional manner and that integrity for the processes and those involved will remain.
“In Rick Stone we believe we have an outstanding Head Coach who fits the bill superbly for what we at the Giants want.
“He has Head Coach experience at NRL and International level and his CV is outstanding in the way he has worked his way to the very top of his profession with many successes along the way.
“He has taken a knock or two as all coaches do I guess but he’s had a little rest to recharge the batteries so to speak and we are convinced he is the right man to take us forward.
“We face a huge battle in the remaining 9 games of the season and he is aware of that. It would be wrong to talk now about any further down the line as our focus has to be on 2016.
“Rick has shown an immense desire from the very start of our search for a new Head Coach to accepting the position here. To coin a phrase he is ‘keen as mustard’ to get cracking!”
The Club will announce date and time of the official Rick Stone Press conference at the John Smith’s Stadium during the course of the week.
Stone said: “I’m delighted to get the opportunity at Huddersfield Giants – simply delighted. I have had a short period out of the fulltime game, probably my first for around 25 years and I’m very keen to get back into the coaching arena.
“Top jobs such as this one don’t come around very often so yes I’m ready to go and really can’t get there quick enough. The UK will be new to me but I follow the Super League and at the end of the day we all start with 17 against 17 and the same chance as each other.
“I know the club has some very short term goals in terms of wins needed in whatever league structure we end up in after 23 rounds but I’ve always believed that results tend to take care of themselves if you work hard, prepare well and commit to your teammates which are key parts of my coaching style.
“I’ll give honesty and demand it back and I’m looking forward to getting into the Club and working with everyone there as soon as possible.”