Huddersfield Giants snap up England second-row Joe Greenwood

The towering Greenwood, 27, has switched from Wigan Warriors having recently featured in the Super League Grand Final with Adrian Lam’s side.

Wigan’s re-signing of fellow international John Bateman from Canberra Raiders prompted their need to move him on but he is looking forward to being part of the Ian Watson revolution at John Smith’s Stadium.

“It’s exciting times ahead, and exciting times with the new coach coming on board,” said Greenwood, as he prepared to link up with the man who transformed Salford Red Devils’ fortunes.

“The coach has had a lot of success and speaking to a few players that he’s had underneath him they’ve said that he brings the best out of you.

“Especially me, coming in to the prime of my career, that’s where I want to be, and I want to push for more success.

“The way that Ian Watson spoke to me, the team will be pushing to win everything, and I feel with the recruitment going the way it is that’s definitely possible.”

Oldham-born Greenwood won the 2014 Grand Final with St Helens, ahead of a brief stint in the NRL with Gold Coast Titans, and added his second Super League title with Wigan two years ago.

He is the West Yorkshire club’s third new signing after Canterbury Bulldogs half-back Jack Cogger and Saints prop Jack Ashworth.

The younger brother of James Greenwood - who played under Watson at Salford this season - he has signed a two-year deal with the Fartowners and made his England debut against the Kiwis in 2018.

Watson said: “Joe Greenwood is an awesome signing for us at Huddersfield and again is another recruit who will increase the quality and experience of our team.

“He is an international player who can play front-row like he did against New Zealand in 2018 and in the back-row like he has done for Saints, Wigan and Gold Coast in the NRL.

“I have no doubts that Joe will be pushing hard for a World Cup spot in 2021; he is a proven winner and coming into his prime years as a footballer which really excites me.

“He’s a player I’m looking forward to working with; he has a great size and attacking ability with his offloading plus a steely defensive attitude which will improve our team.”

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