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Huddersfield coach Rick Stone has expressed disappointment at the club’s recruitment so far – but he still hopes that he can bring Jake Mamo to the John Smith’s Stadium.
The Giants have announced just two signings so far – Paul Clough and Lee Gaskell – both of whom were signed before Stone joined the Giants.
Seven players from last year’s squad have departed, with Jamie Ellis the latest to quit as part of a one-year loan deal to Hull Kingston Rovers.
It has resulted in a section of Huddersfield’s supporters voicing their frustrations and, although Stone insists he is “comfortable” with his squad as it stands, the Australian has expressed a level of dissatisfaction with how recruitment has gone.
“We haven’t brought anyone in of note yet, which is disappointing,” he said.
“The cap position isn’t great, so there’s a little bit of work there that could happen, but we’re getting a bit closer. Hopefully we can say something in the near future.
“There were a lot of decisions made before I got here, so I wasn’t privy to that. When you inherit something like that you’ve got to take things not exactly how you want to see things managed.
“It’s just been hard to make a bit of room and have an opportunity to bring someone in. That’s the way things have rolled, I’ve been in this position before and I’m comfortable with it.”
One long-term target of Huddersfield’s is Newcastle Knights fullback Mamo, with the club still confident that they can lure the 22-year-old to the club. League Express understands that the two clubs are in negotiation, with Newcastle keen to sign Joe Wardle as part of the deal.
“Jake Mamo is definitely one that I’d like to bring to the club,” added Stone.
“I know that he’s interested in coming, which is a good thing, and at 22 years of age, he’d be a good fit for our club.
“He’s a young, hungry player who still has plenty to prove, so it would be nice if we can eventually get to a stage with the Knights to make that happen.”
Despite admitting the Giants have minimal space to play with on the cap, Stone admitted he would like to sign another hooker, though Tyler Randell will not be joining the club.
