Eorl Crabtree comes out of retirement

Huddersfield Giants legend Eorl Crabtree will come out of retirement to play for Newsome Panthers next season.

Crabtree retired in 2016 after a 17-year career which included 423 games for the Giants and 14 England appearances.

Now 38, the towering prop has decided to put the boots back on to play for the Huddersfield-based amateur side who have assembled a star-studded squad.

Coached by former Scottish international Ritchie Hawkyard, the Panthers squad also includes former Super League players Jason Crookes and Mikey Wood.

Speaking on the marquee signing of Crabtree, Hawkyard said: “Well what can you say about this legend of Huddersfield that everyone doesn’t know? To play over 400 appearances at one club is not heard of but also to represent your country on 14 occasions is a great achievement.

“Eorl will bring a heap load of experience but also just that physical presence in the middle of the field is what every club wants. When we spoke to Eorl about coming he was very excited, he likes what we are trying to do and to do it in his home town makes it more appealing.

“Eorl is wanting to get back into training and get rid of the covid diet he said he’s been on! When I spoke to him he said he can’t wait to rip in with the boys and try pass on as much of his knowledge to the younger lads as he can.”