Giants Sign England Captain
4th July 2014
Huddersfield Giants are pleased to announce the signing of current scholar and England Youth Captain Matthew English on a three year professional contract.
Sixteen year old Matthew English is a front rower who plays for Stanley Rangers community club as well as England. He follows in similar footsteps to last year’s England Youth Captain Liam Johnson who has gone on to sign a full time Super League contract with the Club.
Huddersfield Giants Player Performance Manager Steve Hardisty commented:
“Matty English is an all round level headed young man who is keen to learn and improve. Matty leads by example with his effort, work ethic, enthusiasm and his attitude to learn, listen and improve. He is infectious to his peers and he will set a standard for the rest of his teammates to follow. He has a great support system at home with his mum Janet and dad Tony who keep his feet on the ground and support him all the way with the Giants and England.
“Last season, he won the under 16’s Academy player of the year when he was playing a year higher than his age group which I think speaks volumes for his ability.”
Huddersfield Giants Head of Youth Performance Andy Kelly commented:
“Matty English had a number of academy options and we are delighted that he has chosen to further his development with the Huddersfield Giants. In signing with us he has shown faith in the systems we have in place and we are hopeful that now Matty English has signed more of our scholars will follow. I would also like to thank Sean Folan who was instrumental to his signing.
Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis commented “Much is made of signings to the immediate first grade team but signings such as Matthew are equally as important in this clubs view. Huddersfield are consistently demonstrating a pathway for top line young players into the full time environment which is recognised by most within the game. There are relatively few high class players available for clubs so for us to again have the England captain in our ranks speaks volumes for our youth development staff and like Andy (Kelly) I pay tribute to them and look forward to more top line players following Matthew’s lead to the Giants.”