IT has been a case of one in, one out at Huddersfield Giants with former Super League champion Sade Rihari joining a club that have said farewell to their head coach Lori Halloran.
Former York Valkyrie captain Rihari joins ex-team mate Kelsey Gentles at the Accu Stadium as the Giants ramp up their desire to break into the top four for the first time in their history.
Having led York to the 2024 Super League title, while usual captain Sinead Peach was on maternity leave, Rihari only played seven times for York this season – four in the Challenge Cup and three in the league – but also ran out a number of times for Sheffield Eagles while on dual registration.
But she is now hoping a new start in West Yorkshire can see her use her experience and influence to help Huddersfield achieve their play-off hopes.
“I’ve always admired the club’s culture, ambition, and commitment to achieving success and pushing to become one of the top-performing teams in the Women’s Super League,” said Rihari.
“Recent personal circumstances have brought me back to Manchester after my time with York, and I’m extremely grateful for the experiences, memories, and development I gained there. I’d like to wish everyone at York the very best for the future.
“Joining the Giants is an exciting new chapter for me, and I’m eager to contribute both on and off the field. I’m determined to bring a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team-first mindset to everything I do. I’m really looking forward to a strong pre-season, getting to know the girls, and playing my part as the women’s game continues to grow and reach new heights.”
But it will be another new face guiding Rihari and her team mates on the pitch following the news that head coach Halloran, as well as assistant coach Richard Tillotson, have both left the club by mutual consent.
Halloran has been with the club for four years, three of those as head coach, and has overseen the steady rise to this season’s fifth-place finish and creating a genuine belief that the club can beak the monopoly of the current top-four of Wigan, St Helens, York Valkyrie and Leeds Rhinos.
In a short statement following her decision to leave Halloran wrote: “I am truly grateful to Huddersfield Giants for the opportunities I have had during my time with the club.
“I will always cherish the memories made with the squad and staff, and I sincerely thank everyone for their support and dedication throughout this journey.
“This has always gone beyond ‘just rugby’ for me. It’s family.
“To the players and coaching staff – thank you for your commitment and passion. I wish you every success in the future, and my heartfelt hope is that you continue this upward trajectory and earn a well-deserved spot in the top four.”