Rick Stone has confirmed the club is hoping to finalise a deal for Australian Jordan Rankin in the near future – while also revealing that half-back Martyn Ridyard’s loan spell at Huddersfield will continue for at least another week.
The former Hull FC star is closing in on a return to Super League and looks set to join the Giants with discussions currently taking place.
Speaking to TotalRL, Stone admitted that the club is hopeful they can land the 25-year-old in the coming days.
“We’re working pretty hard with his management there to try and make something happen before the year is out,” Stone said.
“He’s a utility player that can definitely help us cover a few spots in the backline. He’s pretty much played anywhere in the backline from number one to number seven, so he’s a player that had some success over here a few years ago. He had a full season on the wing for the Tigers last year in the NRL and has filled in a couple a time in the halves for their first-grade team.
“He’s a player probably looking for an opportunity and we’re trying to finalise something as we speak.”
Ridyard’s loan was due to end after the victory in France last weekend, but Stone confirmed that the Leigh loanee will be with Huddersfield for at least another game – this Friday’s clash against St Helens.
And when asked if the door was open on an extended stay, Stone said: “Yeah possibly. Rids has been good for us and when Broughy got suspended we were running out of options in the halves and he put his hand up to play for us.
“He’s enjoyed his time here and he’s happy to stay as long as we want him here and at this point, we’ve spoken to Leigh and it will be another week at least. He’s been a valuable contributor with his kicking and his organisation; he managed the game well last week and he was the kind of half-back we were looking to bring in.
“He seems to be enjoying his rugby so that’s good.”