This article originally appeared in League Express.
Huddersfield favourite Eorl Crabtree could head up an exodus of players at the end of the season, as Rick Stone prepares a major shake-up at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Crabtree has been at the heart of the Giants’ squad for the last 16 years, making over 400 appearances in claret and gold since debuting in 2001.
However, League Express understands that the 33-year-old has been told he does not feature in Stone’s plans moving forward and the club is attempting to offload him to allow the new Giants head coach to bring in his own players for next year.
An England international, Crabtree is under contract with the Giants next season, but Stone is keen to see him leave so he can make a major signing in the off-season.
Kyle Wood and Josh Johnson are expected to join Crabtree in leaving the club when their contracts expire at the end of the campaign, while Jake Connor has already signed a deal with Hull FC for next season. Joe Wardle could also leave the club to join Stone’s former NRL side Newcastle as part of a deal that will see Knights players Jake Mamo and Tyler Randell join the Giants, although he may not leave the Giants until his contract expires at the end of next season. Scott Grix is also expected to leave to re-sign for Wakefield.
Further players are expected to be moved out of the club, although discussions are on hold until the Giants’ fate is secured, with relegation still a possibility.
Lee Gaskell, Dale Ferguson and Paul Clough have all signed for next season, with Stone keen to add further additions if the club can cut costs on the salary cap.
