Improving Oliver Roberts gets his reward with new Huddersfield Giants deal

Roberts joined the Giants from Bradford on a two-year deal following the Bulls’ relegation from Super League in 2014. He failed to break into their Super League team last season, although he played for Ireland in the 2015 European Championship.

Roberts, 21, got his long-awaited chance with Huddersfield following the departure of England international Brett Ferres and, after appearing in all three matches so far, has committed his future to the club until the end of 2019.

“I think the time away with Ireland really helped my game as I did stall a bit with not playing last year for various reasons, but now I hope the week-in, week-out game time will really help me push on and that I can help the team back up the league table,” he said.

Huddersfield coach Paul Anderson, whose side are still looking for their first win, said: “There is no doubt in my mind that Ollie has lots of improvements to come in his game and is someone that the club should invest in for the longer term.

“He was unlucky last year with game time, but he never complained about the situation and simply got his head down and worked hard for his chance to come.

“He came back into pre-season with renewed confidence after doing well with Ireland and has taken the chance in the team he was given with some decent performances to date.

“His challenge is to keep improving physically and skill-wise and to keep his place in the side when our more experienced guys return.

“We have always been a club that has given chances to young British players who are hungry to succeed and Ollie fits the bill so it will be good for us all to know that he’s around for the long term now.”

Leigh have followed up the short-term signing of St Helens hooker or half-back Lewis Charnock with the capture of Wakefield winger Richard Owen.

The 25-year-old, who has fought his way back to fitness after career-threatening injuries in 2010 and 2015, has scored 66 tries in 142 Super League appearances for Castleford and Wakefield, although he has yet to force his way into the Wildcats’ team this year.

Leigh coach Neil Jukes said: “Richard has a great pedigree and comes highly recommended. I’ve spoken to a number of players who played alongside him and they were all full of praise.

“Richard has shown great character to fight back from adversity in his career and still has many good years ahead of him in the game. Having the right attitude to succeed is crucial to any player and the indications are that Richard will relish his opportunity with Leigh Centurions.”

Owen is the Centurions’ third loan signing following the capture of Hull centre or second-row Richard Whiting and Charnock, a 21-year-old academy international who has made six appearances for Saints and last season played eight games on dual registration with Rochdale.

Wildcats forward Jordan Crowther has joined League One club York City Knights on a one-month loan deal.