NEW Huddersfield Giants coach Jim Lenihan has signed Australian backrow Zane Dunford from his former club Brisbane Tigers – and believes he can make his mark on the Super League scene.
The 24-year-old son of former Manly Sea Eagles and London Broncos prop Matt Dunford, has penned a deal to the end of next season, and could make his debut away to St Helens next Sunday.
He has been a stand-out over nine appearances in the Queensland Cup this year after Lenihan recruited him from the Manly ranks.
Dunford made twelve appearances for the Sea Eagles’ New South Wales Cup side last season after previously playing in that competition for Blacktown Workers.
He was at one time in the Canberra Raiders system, and Lenihan, who arrived at Huddersfield last month tasked with leading them up the Super League ladder, says Dunford’s size and power will be a real asset.
“I brought Zane from Manly to Brisbane this year,” explained Lenihan, who took over at the Tigers in September after leaving his role as an assistant coach at Gold Coast Titans.
“When the opportunity came up to bring him to Huddersfield, we jumped at it.
“He’s a great middle who has been playing and excelling in the back row, a good line runner and tough in defence.
“Zane’s also a great bloke and fits in to the type of people we want to recruit here.
“He’s looking forward to his chance in Super League and playing for Huddersfield – I know he’ll work extremely hard for the team and it’s a great addition for us.”