Huddersfield Giants team up with Hunslet RLFC following successful George Flanagan Jr stint

The agreement will allow Huddersfield's fringe players to maintain match fitness in the Championship when they are not selected for the first team or reserves.

Young full-back George Flanagan Jr benefited from a loan spell with Hunslet in 2024, helping the Parksiders secure a remarkable promotion from League 1 via the play-offs.

Giants managing director Richard Thewlis said: "The arrangement with Hunslet will work well in 2025 for us.

"They are on the crest of a wave after promotion and have strengthened their side to compete in the much tougher Championship competition.

"There is no doubt that last year George Flanagan was a huge boost for them in the final third of the year and he came on leaps and bounds during his time there which was amply demonstrated in his man of the match final display and he returns to us a much better player.

"Luke Robinson is very keen that our players get onto the competitive paddock week in, week out which the reserves competition doesn’t do nor is it at the level of the Championship. Our player feedback has always been that where possible the higher level of competitive action is preferred."

Hunslet are preparing for their first season in the Championship in 10 years after stunning second-tier side Swinton Lions in last month's promotion final.

CEO Neil Hampshire views the partnership with Huddersfield as crucial to Hunslet's chances of survival.

"I'd like to thank Richard for his support and particularly Luke and Dean Muir for their hard work on bringing this agreement to fruition," said Hampshire.

"We're making no secret of the fact that we need to make a step change to be as competitive as possible in the Championship. Entering into a dual-registration agreement with the Giants will underpin our recruitment drive and prove mutually beneficial to both clubs whilst supporting player development."