Huddersfield Giants forward Brett Ferres has rejected advances from the NRL and will remain at the club for the foreseeable future by signing a contract extension to the end of 2019.
Ferres has made 72 appearances for Huddersfield since joining in 2012 from Castleford Tigers, and the 29-year-old England international admits that there was an option to move to Australia’s top tier – but he’s delighted to pen a new deal with Huddersfield.
“Huddersfield have been very good to me and since being here I’ve moved into the England set up which was one of my aims and we’ve established ourselves at the top end of the table,” said Ferres.
“I did have the option to go to the NRL at the end of this season but with Huddersfield wanting me longer term and the security that brought with it to me and the family who are very settled here I was only too happy to stay.
“I’ve enjoyed being in the leadership group here and I am certain that we have a very bright future which I want to play a leading role in. This year we’ve not yet hit our straps consistently which is our challenge and longer term we have some international juniors boosting the squad who I hope I can set a good example for and who will ultimately come into the team.
“The signing of (Sam) Rapira looks a great move for us and I hope that my commitment will help every area of the club going forward.”
Giants head coach Paul Anderson said: “Brett is an international quality player and every team needs those guys to lead and perform well both on and off the field. He is one of our go to men when we need a play and a leader and someone who would enhance any team in the competition.
“His retention long term is great news for the club and the UK Super League as a whole as we were aware of interest elsewhere in his services.”
Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis said that Ferres’ choice to remain made a huge difference to the club’s longer term recruitment strategy. “Brett initially signed for five years with us but with the option for overseas at the end of this year being in his favour.
“Whilst away with England he like many others in the international set up attracted interest which we were kept fully in the loop with as we’d expect of one of our leading professionals. Indeed we see it as a sign of our enhanced reputation when Giants players are being closely monitored and are clearly of interest down under.
“Ultimately though when Brett and his family decided to stay in the UK extending his time with us for two additional years to those already contracted seemed the logical move for all concerned and enables the club to have the security of one of our leaders being around for the foreseeable future.
“Not only is Brett a great player but he is also highly influential within the game and everyone here is delighted to have him in our colours. We can continue our work on developing a top class squad with one of our cornerstones in place and I’d expect more announcements to soon follow on.”
