HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS see new signing Logan Aoake as a potentially key piece of their new-look backline.
The 21-year-old Australian has joined on a two-year contract from Newcastle Knights, where he was a regular for their second string in the New South Wales Cup, scoring 16 tries in 37 appearances.
While most of Aoake’s appearances to date have come as a winger, he has also featured at centre, fullback and even stand-off.
That versatility could prove useful as Huddersfield restructure in those positions ahead of next season.
Jacob Gagai is joining Warrington Wolves after two impressive campaigns while Taane Milne is also leaving the Giants.
Will Tate has been added from Wakefield Trinity to compete out wide with experienced Adam Swift, who has signed for an extra year, and young Lewis Jagger, who recently signed a contract through to 2029.
Sam Halsall, Connor Wrench and Tanguy Zenon can also play in various positions across the backline.
Huddersfield’s director of rugby, Andy Kelly, has indicated the club see Aoake as an option in the threequarters.
“Logan is an outside back comfortable on the wing or in the centre, which is crucial for the rebuilding of our backline after the departures of Milne and Gagai,” said Kelly.
“At the age of 21 we see him as a player who is ready to flourish under the coaching here at the club.
“His opportunities at Newcastle have been limited due to the first team there having two of the league’s best in (Dom) Young and (Greg) Marzhew, but we feel he is ready to make the step up here.”
Meanwhile Oliver Russell won’t be returning to the Giants, with the halfback joining Oldham on loan for next season from Wakefield after a return stint at Huddersfield which brought 17 appearances.
