Sebastine Ikahihifo extends stay at Huddersfield
Sebastine Ikahihifo has signed a new three-year contract extension with Huddersfield Giants.
The deal will see him stay at the John Smith’s Stadium until the end of the 2021 campaign.
The 27-year-old was a stand-out for the Giants in 2017 and was named in last year’s Super League Dream Team.
He said: “I’m delighted to sign a new contract and want to achieve something for Huddersfield and build something special here. I think when you look back over the past 10 years, everyone looks at being the 2013 League Leaders Shield win but I want to build on that and do something that Huddersfield will remember for the next 20 years.
“I feel that I can help set an example for the young guys that are coming through by training hard, eating well and then that manifests onto the field, if you set that example for them then hopefully we can start something special at the Club.
“I’m very ambitious. It’s one thing to be named as one of the prop’s in the Dream Team but you’ve got to do something to stay at the top of that hill and defend it. There are a lot of props out there that are playing really well and I take that as a challenge, I like to compete and I think this is the best place for me to be able to perform.
“The fans support feels really good, I like the chant they have for me and it’s really creative. I do hear it and it gets me fired up. The fans come down to watch us whatever the weather and so I just try to shake as many people’s hands as I can after the game to show my respect to them. They make the effort to come and support us whatever the time and day just to watch us play and it’s a great gift to be able to play in-front of them and really appreciate their efforts.
“I think I performed well last year and I just want to continue my momentum with Huddersfield.”
Giants coach, Rick Stone, said: ““Seb was a revelation last year with what he did. He made more tackle breaks than anyone else in the competition, the second most offloads and was up there for the metres made count. His effort is tremendous every week and he has made a big impact. He’s an unpredictable player and because he’s so quick and powerful, he takes some stopping.
“We’re starting to get through and sure up the team with the people that we want to keep long-term, which is very important if we’re going to build a team that is going to be successful. Seb is one of the cornerstones for us and everyone will be happy to have him here for a long while.
“Seb has really blossomed whilst he’s been here and he’s made a big impression. Maybe he didn’t get the most opportunities in the NRL but we’ve been able to give him a bit of freedom and that’s what suits his style of play best.
“He’s very hardworking, humble and quite quiet. He really respects what’s going on around the Club and is a deep thinker that has a lot of important things to say in team meetings. He’s an integral part of the team and is very well liked by his teammates and the Coaching staff. We’re delighted to have him with the Club until the end of 2021.”