Huddersfield Giants' Sam Wood earns his place on first rung of '˜a long ladder'

The back-row/centre, still only 18, had been on part-time terms, but has now joined Giants’ main operation.

He made his first senior appearance against Wigan Warriors during the club’s injury crisis earlier this season, impressing against the beaten Grand Finalists, and followed up with a game versus Widnes Vikings, too.

“Sam debuted last month for us in a difficult time and I thought he showed up well,” said Anderson, about the former Dewsbury Celtic player who has emerged through Giants’ Academy system.

“He probably came in too soon, but he handled it.

“He has made some sacrifices to chase his dream of being a Super League player and it’s only fair that the club recognises this and rewards him accordingly.

“Sam deserves to be with us until at least the end of the year.

“He’s got some versatility in him as well; he played Super League at centre but can play back-row and also, we got injuries in the 19s at the weekend, so he played in the halves there and scored a hat-trick.

“He’s got a good rugby brain, understands things quickly, is very smart, a scholar of the game and someone who picks things up very, very swiftly.

“The jump from part- to full-time is huge and this contract gives Sam his first step onto a long ladder.

“He will benefit enormously from being with the first-team for the majority of the time now and step into the academy sessions when the specific game-related practices are being taken.”

Wood added: “I am obviously pleased to step up and be given an improved deal.

“My aim, of course, is to earn another one as soon as possible for the following year.

“The training in the two groups is similar in format, but the intensity, speed and general toughness is higher in the Super League squad and it’s something that only hard work and repetition can get me used to what’s required.”