Huddersfield Giants Head Coach Simon Woolford has landed a major coup with the signing of sought after prop forward James Gavet on two-year deal from Newcastle Knights. The 29-year old Samoan International powerhouse has played 74 games in the NRL, for Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Wests Tigers, Brisbane Broncos, New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights.
Gavet is currently training with the Samoan National Team in Sydney ahead of the forthcoming World Nines and end of year internationals and will commence his visa application to join up for pre-season training with the Giants in December.
Head Coach, Simon Woolford said: “We were looking to add some size and aggression to our pack, we identified a number of options and James was, we felt, the best person to fill that role”
“James had a number of options including some top Super League clubs, so we’re thankful to James and his management for making the choice to come to Huddersfield and we feel this is a major coup for the club”
“We feel its a very significant signing for the club moving forward in our quest to become a Top 5 Super League team. ”
Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis said “The main question that our supporters have been asking when contacting the club is have we a big forward lined up for next year and it’s great that we are now able to answer that with a current Samoan International player.
“Simon has recently spent a week down under in Australia researching players and meeting the necessary people to firstly identify James as his priority pick and then to get him over the line as a Giant.
“We have very high hopes and expectations of our younger squad members next year in the tough front row role and the addition of an experienced current International can only help their development as well as the teams overall goals.”
James Gavet said: “I spoke to guys that I’ve played with, like Suaia Matagi and Ukuma Ta’ai and they told me about the talent in the squad and how well the team should have done last year”
“They said that the position on the ladder didn’t represent the potential the team had and I have always rated them and their honesty. They are people I know and trust. I hope I can strengthen them and help them fulfil their potential. From what I’ve heard, they are heading in the right direction”
“I hope I can be the piece that fits perfectly to complete the puzzle”
“I’m looking forward to the rivalries, I’ve heard they are another level over there and representing your colours in front of the crowd is a big deal. There’s big, crazy crowds and big pommies frothing at the mouth to get a piece of you – I want to get a piece of them too.”
With the signings of Kenny Edwards and Ashton Golding confirmed and the resigning of Joe Wardle confirmed recently, there is a greater level of excitement than ever before around the Giants. The club have also announced their Season Cards prices at an unbelievable £80 for Under 30s and £149 for Over 30s. All this means that there is a buzz around the John Smith’s Stadium now, and the Cowbell Army are starting to count the days until next February.