Experienced Danny Tickle is an option for Huddersfield Giants, says coach Paul Anderson

HUDDERSFIELD Giants head coach Paul Anderson has admitted he is interested in bringing former England second-row Danny Tickle to the John Smith's Stadium.
Danny Tickle - seen in action above for Hull FC - could be snapped up by Huddersfield Giants.Danny Tickle - seen in action above for Hull FC - could be snapped up by Huddersfield Giants.
Danny Tickle - seen in action above for Hull FC - could be snapped up by Huddersfield Giants.

Tickle, who turns 33 next week, has recently been released by Widnes Vikings and is searching for a new club.

The ex-Halifax, Hull FC and Wigan forward suffered a serious head injury following an incident outside a nightclub in November. He has not played since but has now made a full recovery and is keen on returning to Super League.

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Huddersfield have not replaced Brett Ferres, the England second-row they sold to Leeds Rhinos in January, and, therefore, have space on their salary cap and, with Giants at the bottom of the table, an individual of Tickle’s calibre could certainly prove useful.

On the goalkicking forward, Anderson said: “He’s an experienced player and someone who has come across our table.

“He has a lot of experience and has a lot to offer.

“Obviously with his injury and the issues around why he’s been released by Widnes we have to take due care and make sure things are right.

“But Danny does fit the bill for what we’re looking at; he’s an experienced man who’s been there, done that with regards the amount of game he’s played.

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“He’s not training with us – I believe he’s not quite at that stage yet – but it would be good to get someone of that experience in.

“Some things need to fall into place first and I know he has other interest as well.”

Anderson has been frustrated by an inability to strengthen his squad which has been decimated by injuries already this season.

“Our depth is a problem,” he said. “We’ve lost people and not replaced them. That’s not through the want of trying but we are at the stage where we probably do need some people in.”

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Another second-row, Joe Wardle, does return for Sunday’s game at Castleford, however, having served a two-match ban for a high tackle on Catalans’ Remi Casty during the 46-26 defeat, only his second game since returning from injury.

“He’ll be a fresh body coming in,” said Anderson.

“I don’t think he has a point to prove. We tried to get the ban reduced. He got off his line to try and hit someone which is a part of the game.

“There’s nothing illegal about that but he just reacted and reached out.

“Joe doesn’t have to change his style or anything. I expect him to come back and be the good, experienced player we know he is.”