YOUNG FORWARD SIGNS TWO-YEAR DEAL

Young powerhouse forward Jack Billington has signed a two-year professional contract with the Huddersfield Giants.

Huddersfield Giants are delighted to announce the retention of young forward and academy star, Jack Billington with a new 2-year professional contract. 

Billington has been a part of the Giants' academy system since he was 14, after spending a number of years playing in the Union code, and has since played for his county in both codes. Most recently Jack played a part of the Yorkshire Academy Origin squad. 

When Jack first joined the Giants in the scholarship team he was still playing Union and earlier this season stated how hard it was trying to commit 100% to both Huddersfield Giants and, at the time, the Yorkshire Rugby Union. His time at the Giants was then stunted after being picked to a be a part of the England Rugby Union u18s training squad. The staff at the Giants were very supportive of Jack's  growth and allowed him to be a part of that elite group at the time. But when the time came for Jack to make a choice between committing to a code, Jack made the right choice (In our opinion) and committed his future with the Giants. At the time Jack was quoted as saying:

"I feel like the setup is a lot better in league. Huddersfield, even at Academy level, feels like a proper setup. Here at Huddersfield, it's the same place, four times a week and it just seems more professional and supportive. I can see where I could be in a year, five years. In union you turn 18 and you're leaving without knowing what your future looks like." 

Steve Fox has seen Jack come through the Giants pathway system when was younger and recalls what he was like in that younger age group:

"Jack is an outstanding young man. He joined our Scholarship, on a talent transfer, from Rishworth High school. He was playing Rugby Union there and also with Old Brodleians RUFC.

Over the four years, Jack has shown a tremendous amount of dedication and focus to develop his skill, knowledge and understanding of the game. This, along with Jack’s athletic and physical ability, has earned him this great opportunity to progress to our first team squad.

Jack has been a pleasure to coach over the four years and I am excited to follow Jack’s progression in our first team environment."

His most recent coach Tom Tsang, who also signed a new contract recently, is also delighted to see the growth of young Billington:

"I'm so proud of Jack signing his first senior contract and it's so well deserved.

Jack came to us from Rugby Union as a powerful, athletic but ultimately very raw player and it's through his own hard work and desire that he's attacked everything thrown at him by the Giants staff with great intent and focus to develop into the player he is today - still powerful and athletic but now also with game understanding and some fine skill plus a love for the physical side of the game.

He is also a very polite and humble young man and knows that the hardest of work hasn't even started yet if he is to reach his huge potential, but I know he will do everything he can to get there."

This season Jack made his first steps into 1st team Rugby League when he went on loan to the Barrow Raiders where he played a part in all seven of their final games of the season, including a fantastic match between Cumbrian rivals Barrow and Whitehaven where Jack's team emerged as 23-22 victors. Jack was later quoted as saying that this match was one of the best experiences he has had in sport.

We spoke to Jack about signing his new deal, and he cannot wait to get started:

"I feel over the moon and honoured to sign my first senior contract with the club as I have come from being a fan to working my way through the youth system, this was always a major goal of mine. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Barrow and learnt some valuable lessons about playing men’s rugby despite my short stay there. The most important lesson I learnt is that no matter how hurt you are you still have a job to do for the people around you.

 I would like to thank all the coaching and support staff for helping me get this far and also for helping me be at my best at all times."

Like Jack, you to can sign up for the Giants in 2024, click the button below!

Become a Giant!