Huddersfield Giants sign St Helens Grand Final winner

The England Knights forward, 25, played in Saints’ Grand Final winning side last year and also appeared in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

He has struggled for game-time with them this season but has made 43 appearances since 2015 along with loan spells at Rochdale Hornets, Sheffield Eagles and Leigh Centurions.

Watson, who officially starts work as Huddersfield head coach tomorrow, is a fan of the player’s work-rate.

Having loaned prop Suaia Matagi to Castleford Tigers for 2021 and also released Jordan Turner to the Tigers, this is the first new arrival for Watson although the deal was already in place before the coach switched from Salford Red Devils earlier this month.

"Jack is a big mobile front-rower,” said Watson.

“Everyone in the game sees his engine, his size and his leg speed and he's worked his trade through the Championship working his way into the first-team at St Helens, winning a Grand Final in 2019 and playing in a Challenge Cup Final as well, so he's got that winning mentality.

"Having him come off winning a Grand Final last year is really good for us. That's the kind of player we want - players who have won things, are here to win and here to compete. It's an important part of the mentality we want in a player.

"He's got the ability to play both in the front-row and the back-row, and we'll be concentrating on fine tuning his skills alongside his physical attributes; he's a big physical forward, he's got tremendous leg speed and he's got the mobility you need in the modern game."

Ashworth, who pleaded guilty to a criminal damage charge last month relating to an incident at his then girlfriend's house in December 2018, said: "The club told me to forget about the past and look to the future.

“We're building something great and I saw something in that. I saw how they were before lockdown with their performances, there’s lots to be excited about.

“After speaking to (managing director) Richard (Thewlis) and looking round the club, I was impressed by how good the club’s facilities and staff were.

“I'd spoken to Darnell (McIntosh) and Matty English and they've always said good things about the club.

“We're building something great and I believe that's happening.

“With Ian Watson at the reins, I'm really happy to sign for the club. He's a proven coach, and if he can build what he did at Salford, we can be a top contender. I've come to win things. That's what I want to do.”