Huddersfield Giants coach Ian Watson hails capture of “outstanding” Ricky Leutele

Key signing: Former Toronto Wolfpack centre Ricky Leutele is joining Huddersfield Giants. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA Wire.

The Australia-born Samoan centre helped Toronto Wolfpack to promotion from the Championship and made a handful of appearances in Super League this year before the Canadian club pulled out of the competition.

Leutele, a former Cronulla Sharks player, then returned to the NRL for a short stint with champions Melbourne Storm but has now strengthened the backline options available to new Giants coach Ian Watson.

“Ricky is an outstanding signing for us at Giants,” Watson said on Huddersfield’s official website. “We’re delighted and looking forward to welcoming Ricky and his family to the Giants in 2021.

Switching sides: Ricky Leutele scored both Toronto's tries as they delivered a shock knockout blow to the Giants in last season's Challenge Cup. Pic: Richard Sellers/PA Wire.

“He comes to us with a reputation of a person with outstanding character and a winner at the highest level, with numerous finals appearances and a 2016 NRL grand final winner with Cronulla.

“He’ll certainly increase the quality and competitive depth in our outstanding back line and will be a player to watch in Super League in 2021.”

Leutele added: “I’m very excited to be joining the club and I can’t wait to get over. It feels awesome to have signed for the Giants.

“I spoke to Ian Watson the other night about the direction he wants to take the team and the club, what Ian described to me is something I want to be a part of and I can’t wait to rip in with the boys.”

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