HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS have re-signed halfback Matt Frawley from Leeds Rhinos on a month loan.
Back-rower Jack Murchie has been released halfway through his three-year contract to free up on overseas quota spot for Frawley, who previously spent the 2019 season with Huddersfield and made 22 appearances.
Frawley returned for a second Super League spell with Leeds last season but has lost his place in their side this year.
The Giants hope the 30-year-old Australian, who has played for Canterbury Bulldogs and Canberra Raiders in the NRL, can rejuvenate a side which has won just one of 14 Super League matches this season and cover the absence of Adam Clune for several weeks through injury.
“It’s an important signing for us,” said Huddersfield director of rugby Andy Kelly.
“We’ve started to have some momentum with the way we’re playing and Matt Frawley is a natural controller of the game.”
Murchie joined the club ahead of the 2024 season after previously featuring in the NRL with Canberra Raiders, New Zealand Warriors and Parramatta Eels.
But he has made only 17 appearances due to injuries and has been permitted to return home to Australia.
Eleven of those games came in the first half of last season, before he required knee surgery which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.
He played six consecutive games to start this year but, following another knee issue, hasn’t appeared for the club since their round-five loss to Salford Red Devils.
Kelly said: “We’re always appreciative of a player who comes over and gives their best for the Giants.
“We’re sympathetic to the reasons why Jack wants to go home and we’ve worked together to ensure that happens. We wish him the very best of luck.”
Murchie is the second player to be released by the struggling Giants this season to return to Australia.
Hooker Thomas Deakin was allowed to leave in May after making eleven appearances in a year and a half.
Shortly afterwards, forward Tristan Powell was signed from Burleigh Bears.