Salford prop Seb Ikahihifo to return to Huddersfield

Drew Darbyshire

Salford prop Seb Ikahihifo will return to Huddersfield for 2022 after two seasons on loan at Salford.

The New Zealander arrived at the Red Devils ahead of the 2020 season and helped the club reach the Challenge Cup final for the first time in 51 years.

Ikahihifo, 30, made 28 appearances in a Salford shirt and will play under Ian Watson once again at Huddersfield next year.

On leaving Salford, Ikahihifo said: “I’ve had a great two years here at Salford, I’ve really enjoyed playing in front of the Salford faithful who have been behind me and the team every single time we run out.

“I feel like I’ve developed my game a lot here, and I’d like to thank everyone involved at the club for the last two seasons.”

On returning to Huddersfield, he said: “It feels good to be back, I still live here and it’s good to be home.

“I’m looking forward to working with Ian Watson again – he’s one of the smartest coaches I’ve worked with and he uses me really well.

“I’ve got some good memories with Ian Watson and Greg Brown. I know what to expect from Greg Brown as well, lots of muscular endurance which is good for me, it’ll get me fit. The training at Salford was excellent and they’re both great trainers and I’m looking forward to working with them again.

“Hopefully I can have a good time here: we have a good team, a good coach and I feel really good about next season. I’m expecting top four next season and everyone expects a lot from this group and hopefully we can deliver.”

Ikahihifo, who made 78 appearances for the Giants between 2016-2019, was named in the Super League Dream Team in 2017 after a remarkable season.