Huddersfield Giants Irish international back-row forward Oliver Roberts has committed his future to the Giants by signing a contract with the club until the end of the 2019 season.
The 21-year-old has made the Giants’ lineup in each of the three opening games of the Super League season and was happy to put pen to paper, despite the club’s disappointing start to the season, with three league defeats.
“When I was approached I simply sat down for a few minutes and thought to myself I am very happy here, it’s local to where I live and the training and fitness work is improving my game, so why can’t I take the opportunity and really establish myself here in Super League,” said Roberts.
“I had a chat with my family and manager and we all agreed everything at Huddersfield suits me, so we got the contract drawn up and signed.
“I think we’ve a great side which has been shown even when some of the older players have been out and I want to establish myself in the top 17 week in, week out.
“I think the time away with Ireland really helped my game as I did stall a bit with not playing last year for various reasons. But now I hope some game time will really help me push on and that I can help the team back up the league table.”
Giants coach Paul Anderson believes that Roberts’ best years are yet to come. “There is no doubt in my mind that Ollie has lots of improvements to come in his game and is someone that the club should invest in longer term,” said Anderson.
“His body shape and general conditioning are starting to come together as he grows older and spends more and more time in our environment. He was unlucky last year with game time, but he never complained about the situation and simply got his head down and worked hard for his chance to come.”
