Toby King hopeful Ian Watson will bring best out of him

Josh McAllister
Toby King Warrington Wolves

Toby King believes a fresh start with Huddersfield will do him a ‘world of good’ and is hoping Ian Watson will bring the best out of him following the move to the John Smith’s Stadium. 

King, 25, has linked up with the Giants on loan for the rest of the season from Warrington. The deal also saw England international Jake Wardle go the other way, joining the Halliwell Jones Stadium side.

With just under half of the Super League season remaining, King is thankful for the fresh start with his new club following a rollercoaster year at Wire.

Daryl Powell’s side currently sit ninth in the league table, having claimed just six wins from 16 games. Watson’s Huddersfield are enjoying an impressive year, winning 11 games so far for third spot in the table.

Centre King has made 13 appearances in 2022, but was recently dropped for the side’s 4-0 victory over Hull before his move was announced the following day.

He could make his debut against Castleford this Friday, having been named in Huddersfield’s 21-man squad, while star centre Ricky Leutele misses out through injury.

Toby King: I think Watson is going to bring the best out of me

King said: “I’m excited. It was all very strange. I was on the way to training at Warrington and then the day next I was coming over here.

“Watto (Watson) gave me a ring and I was pretty much sold, the ambitions he has and what he wants from me, I think it will do me a world of good.

“I was a bit nervous, it’s like going to your first day of school. But as soon as I came in, the lads were welcoming. Luckily I know quite a few people around here.”

King returns to his hometown club, having spent time in the academy at Huddersfield. His parents also still live in the area, making the transition easier.

He continued: “My parents are around here. I used to play at 16s actually and did some academy sessions around 10 years ago. It feels weird but I’m buzzing about it.

“It’s different, you’ve gone from different ends of the table. I wasn’t expecting this situation but now I’ve got to take it forward and work myself into this team and try and help lift the team as much as I can. 

“I love my kicks and I love a bit of early ball and Watto is putting that back into me now.

“He wants me to get that aggression back into my defence and bring a new dimension to my game. I’m excited for it.

“Watto is a really good coach and I think he’s going to bring the best out of me. A bit of a new start will do me the world of good and freshen everything up.”

 

PODCAST: Craig Lingard on Championship recruitment rules, Batley & two divisions of 14?

Super League Huddersfield Giants