Ex-Huddersfield Giants man reveals surprise pick for best coach of his career as he weighs in on Chris Chester’s style at Wakefield Trinity

Kyle Wood is one of Super League’s most underrated players and has had a superb rugby league career both in and out of the top tier.

Though it started outside of the top flight, the bulk of his career was played within Super League has he made 252 appearances in the top league for Huddersfield Giants and Wakefield Trinity.

Wood was a bit of a squad player in a star studded Huddersfield side in his first stint prior to making the switch to Wakefield in 2012 where he helped them to an unlikely play-off spot before returning to the Giants to help them win the League Leaders’ Shield.

He would eventually return to Belle Vue to help them to back to back fifth place finishes in 2017 and 2018, the club’s joint highest league finish in Super League with 2009.

At the end of 2021 he joined Halifax Panthers and is a key member of their squad as they go in search of promotion.

It has now been confirmed that he has been awarded a testimonial which will run through 2023 and culminate in a fixture in January 2024.

Wood confirmed on Instagram saying: “Delighted to have been granted a testimonial year from the RFL.

“Privileged to have played over 300 games for these great clubs.

“I’d like to thank all clubs, coaches and players I have been honoured to work with over the years.

My testimonial year will run throughout 2023. Game TBC for January 2024.

“More information to follow on events. I also have some sponsorship opportunities available for anyone interested.

“I appreciate your support and am looking forward to the next year.”

As he reflects on his long career, Wood spoke on BBC Radio Leeds about it and revealed who is the best coach of his career.

He has been led by the likes of former Leeds Rhinos boss Richard Agar and the only man to bring silverware to Huddersfield Giants in Super League Paul Anderson, but identified Anderson’s predecessor at Huddersfield as the best coach of his career despite the fact he wasn’t a regular during this period:

“Nathan Brown, that period when I was really young, he taught me a lot. He is obviously regarded as one of the best coaches I suppose but all the coaches have had an impression on me.”

He also had his say on Chris Chester’s brand of rugby at Wakefield:

“Chris Chester enjoyed a brand of rugby, expansive rugby which suited my game. A lot of coaches have different styles that suited my game and others not so suited but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”