State of Origin star Chris McQueen earns new deal at Huddersfield Giants

The former Queensland State of Origin back-row, 33, arrived at John Smith's Stadium on a trial deal in September until the end of the season.

McQueen, who represented England in 2017, instantly made a mark and has played eight games, solidifying the Huddersfield pack while also scoring two tries.

Giants - expected to name Ian Watson as their new head coach after his departure from Salford Red Devils - have now given the Australian, who won the 2014 NRL Grand Final with South Sydney, a one-year deal.

“I'm very excited and very proud to extend my contract,” said McQueen.

“I want to see the Giants back on top; I've had a lot of success in my career and I want to bring some of it back here to this great club.

“Obviously, I came over here on a short-term contract.

“My intention was to play some good footy , fit in with the squad and get the contract extension and that's what's happened."

Huddersfield managing director Richard Thewlis said: "Chris came to us on a trial basis with an understanding that we would like to retain him next year should things work out.

“I think everyone would agree that they have.

“He has been selected in every game possible and played virtually every minute establishing his position in the team with consistent quality performances.

“In all the conversations I have had with prospective coaches they all said what a fine player he is and a key part of our pack who they would want to see remain at the club should they get the position.

“The plaudits from our current coaches, too, are highly complementary for Chris both as a player and a person and this news will go down very well within the group.

“He will return to Australia for his break upon the completion of our season and come back to us in the new year to start pre-season training.”