The 34-year-old Australian was yesterday confirmed as successor to Jon Sharp and will arrive in Huddersfield later this year after completing his commitments with St George-Illawarra, where he has been head coach for the last five seasons.

Brown, who is being replaced at St George next year by Wayne Bennett, is regarded as one of the sport's most progressive coaches and Smith has no doubts the former hooker will prove a big success at Huddersfield.

"I have spoken to Nathan a couple of times in the last few weeks and I know he's really looking forward to coming over here and coaching in Super League," said Smith, who enjoyed a successful three years as coach of Huddersfield before joining Leeds in 2004.

"He's very knowledgeable for such a young man and I think Huddersfield have made a terrific choice. I'm also delighted for Nathan."

Huddersfield chairman Ken Davy said the appointment heralded "the start of an exciting new chapter for the Giants" and Brown expressed his pride at having secured a job which had been sought by several more experienced Australian coaches.

"I've obviously got some unfinished business with St George between now and the end of the season, but I intend to spend every spare minute watching the Giants on video and liaising with Keiron Purtill and Paul Anderson on a regular basis," said Brown. "They seem to be doing a great job, and I know that when I come over – probably around late October – everything at the club will be in very good order."

Brown's next video will be of tonight's home match against Warrington Wolves when the Giants look to bounce back from a hollow performance in defeat at Leeds last week.

Huddersfield are missing centre Michael Lawrence, who has flown to Australia with the England Under-18,s but Jamahl Lolesi returns from a shoulder injury against a Warrington side who have won five of their last six matches under caretaker coach James Lowes.

New Zealand full-back Brent Webb will be a notable absentee when second-placed Leeds Rhinos take on the team immediately below them, Catalans Dragons in Perpignan tonight. Webb injured his back in training earlier this week and is a doubt for next week's Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens.

Catalans welcome back hooker Aaron Gorrell after a two-month absence in place of Casey McGuire, who switches to scrum-half alongside Thomas Bosc as cover for the suspended Adam Mogg.

St Helens cruised to a 15th straight win and a crushing hat-trick of engage Super League derby triumphs against 12-man Wigan with a 46-12 win at the JJB Stadium last night. The Warriors were forced to play all but the first five minutes with 12 men after Michael McIlorum was sent off for a high tackle.