HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS have signed hooker Cole Geyer on loan from Championship outfit Oldham.
The 25-year-old former Queensland Cup player, who shares a house with Giants prop and compatriot Tristan Powell, has moved as the struggling West Yorkshire team try to pep up an injury-hit squad.
The switch is for the rest of the season, although the Championship club have a recall option – and could well use it if they make the play-offs.
Geyer, who is the son of former Melbourne Storm and New South Wales back Matt Geyer, has turned out 14 times for Oldham, notching five tries.
He previously played for Brisbane Tigers and Burleigh Bears, helping the Gold Coast side to last season’s QC title with a Grand Final victory over Norths Devils.
He could make his Huddersfield debut at home to St Helens next Thursday, with the hosts seeking a first win in four.
“I’m a running nine and I like to speed the game up and be on the back of quick rucks,” he said.
“I already know most of the lads through Tristan, and I can’t wait to get going and give Super League a crack. Hopefully there are good times ahead for the group and myself.”
It’s another dip into the second tier by the Giants after they added French back Tenguy Zenon from Halifax.
And interim coach Liam Finn added: “Cole is ready for the step up to Super League and will add some quality to our squad. It hasn’t been the biggest so it’s a welcome addition.
“It’s an opportunity for us to look at Cole and for him to see what Super League is like, and we know he will put his best foot forward.”
Oldham coach Alan Kilshaw said: “Cole came over to the UK with aspirations of playing Super League. He has been outstanding for us, there has been a lot of interest in him, and he has earned this opportunity.
“He remains our player and we are happy for him to go and get that experience and show what he can do at the highest level.
“The recall option gives us an opportunity to potentially bring him back at the backend of the season, or when his commitments with Huddersfield have finished, leading into a potential play-off campaign.”