Giants sign International as Leeming Departs

Huddersfield Giants have signed Owen Trout on a four-year deal

Huddersfield Giants have secured England Academy International back rower Owen Trout as part of an arrangement that sees Kruise Leeming leave to join the Rhinos. Trout has signed a four year contract and joins the squad on Giants Thursday morning to commence life in the Claret and Gold.

Owen Trout said "It's a really historic club and I'm really excited to get started. It's a great club playing at a great stadium and I can't wait to start performing week in week out"

"I spoke to Simon Woolford at training and he's looking forward to seeing me train and I'm looking forward to impressing him in the race for a starting spot"

"I feel like the big part of my game is being a skilful player and I'm looking forward to bringing my skill to the team. I like to get people running off me and I think that will add another level to the Giants."

"I had a spell at the Championship last season and I'm really looking forward to testing myself further and competing at Super League level in 2020 with the Giants"

Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis said “This move is tinged with a great deal of sadness on our part. We did not want to lose Kruise Leeming but when the player himself says he wants to leave and preferred a fresh challenge as in his own words he had gone stale we really had no option but to agree his transfer request which we did in mid October. 

"All clubs were informed of his desire to leave us and only the Rhinos showed any interest so it was pleasing that when Kevin Sinfield came back from his international commitments we were able to conclude a deal that we as the Giants were happy with and bring Owen Trout to the club. 

"We as a club simply cannot have anyone here who is not fully committed to us and the desire that Owen has shown to join is excellent. Within minutes of hearing that we wished to speak to him he was in his car and looking around and meeting people and he very quickly confirmed he wished to take up the challenge here. 

"He joins his age bracket international teammates Louis & Innes Senior and Ollie Wilson and also knows Mathew English from his time at Stanley Rangers. Owen is a physically big backrower and eager to push the established men in his position for Super League appearances in 2020. We wish Kruise Leeming every success at the Rhinos and thank him for his efforts in his time with us.”