FORMER academy talent Matty Hanley has returned to Huddersfield Giants after a spell away from Rugby League.
The 20-year-old outside back, who scored seven times in 13 appearances for Midlands Hurricanes in League One last season, is looking forward to getting back to what he knows and loves.
Able to play on the wing or at centre, he makes the step up to the first-team after having featured for the Giants’ Reserves, and has been named in the 21-man squad to face Hull FC on Thursday.
And head coach Jim Lenihan has been left impressed with what he has seen from Hanley so far.
“He’s been really good for us in training at the moment,” said the Giants’ boss.
“He came back and busted his jaw; he had a broken jaw for a little while.
“He’s did six weeks of rehab when he first came back, and I think he’s done a Reserves game and copped a whack.
“He’s gone through that now, and just with us being a little short on outside backs, we’ve named him in the extended squad just for cover, just in case.
“This week, he is going to get a bit of a look at the extended training week, what we do at training, all our meetings, and that sort of stuff.
“It’s going to be good for him.”
Director of Rugby Andy Kelly is looking forward to being reunited with Moldgreen product Hanley, a player he believes has great potential.
“The club are happy to welcome Matty back after serving his time with the Scholarship and Academy,” he said.
“Matty wanted to explore more of the working life outside Rugby League, but didn’t realise how much he would miss the competitive side of his life.
“He still has big ambitions in the game and we are happy to facilitate the next couple of seasons on that route.
“We feel Matty has great potential and look forward to working with him again.”