Huddersfield are hopeful they may receive confirmation within the next couple of weeks they have managed to secure the services of Fiji winger Akuila Uate for 2019 and beyond.
The Giants have made Uate an offer to continue his career in Super League next season, although coach Simon Woolford admits they are vying for his signature with a number of NRL clubs.
However, Woolford is optimistic that following advanced discussions with the winger and his representatives, they can complete what would be a significant signing for next season.
He said: “We’re interested in talking to all good players over in Australia that are keen to come to Super League.
“We’ve had a few discussions with Aku and are well down the line. Nothing is over the line yet but we’re hopeful that in the next couple of weeks, he may commit to us.
“We’ve still got a bit of work to do there and he’s still got quite a bit of interest from NRL clubs – but hopefully the decision will be in our favour.”
Now 30, Uate has found opportunities difficult to come by at current club Manly this year due to their ongoing salary cap problems – but Woolford insists he can still do a job for whoever his next club may be.
“He’s still doing a good job for Manly; he’s only been squeezed out there because they’ve got salary cap issues which everyone knows about,” Woolford said.
“But there are a few clubs in Australia looking to sign him for one year: so it’s up to him to make the decision about whether he wants to stay there for another year or come here for a couple.”
