Huddersfield Giants have signed Manly Sea Eagles forward Tom Symonds on a three-and-a-half year contract – as revealed in League Express two weeks ago.
“Tom is a player we enquired about a few years back but he was still making his way in the NRL then and since then has gone on to establish himself at Manly,” said Giants coach Paul Anderson.
“We have been looking for a back rower for a considerable period as most people know so we were particularly pleased when one of our hundreds of calls down under proved fruitful in that Tom was looking for a fresh start in the UK. This has been a devastating week for everyone at the Club and my thoughts remain with the Costello family and friends.”
Symonds said: “I’m really excited to be here it’s been a slow couple of weeks, waiting to get over here but now I am here I can’t wait to get out on the field and start playing.
“Coming over to the UK was something I have always wanted to do. The timing of it wasn’t something I guess I had planned but the opportunity came up a couple of weeks ago. I sat down and really thought about it and decided it was the best option for me going forward and I’m excited for the new experience on the other side of the world.
“The coach’s interest in me as a player and knowledge about my game was a big factor in my decision to sign here. The Super League is entertaining attacking competition and I’m obviously looking forward to a new life experience in the UK.
“Hopefully I can bring some experience to the group but for me it’s a case of firstly earning the respect of the boys straight away, ripping in at training and working hard. I’m certainly keen play, I haven’t played the last couple of weeks so I’m definitely ready to rip in.”
