Former NRL, Super League and England international Gareth Widdop has made a surprise move ahead of the 2025 campaign.
The playmaking ace will swap the 13-man code for the 15-man code with the 35-year-old set to try his hand at rugby union in a move that sees him unite with another former Super League star.
Widdop has joined Huddersfield Rugby Union Football Club who are coached by former Huddersfield Giants and Super League legend Danny Brough and play in the Regional 1 North West comp.
Brough was appointed to his role last season and he’ll now be coaching former England international Widdop after the 35-year-old left Halifax Panthers at the end of the 2024 season.
Widdop had called time on his illustrious career in 2023 but decided to go around again with Fax in the Championship, a season that saw the club struggle although Widdop performed well as he made over 20 appearances.
Despite joining Huddersfield Rugby Union to play, something that was confirmed by the club on their Facebook page, he will still be heavily involved with both rugby league and his hometown of Halifax after agreeing to become the assistant coach of King Cross Park RLFC, a community clas based in Halifax.
King Cross shared the news on their Facebook page, stating: “What a phenomenal push this will be for our boys! As premiership finalists last year, this is sure to ensure that fire is still raging within them.
“Gareth comes with years of experience as NRL Grand Final winner and World Club Challenge winner. He has played for some major teams in his time and we cannot wait to see what he can teach everyone at KXP as he returns to his junior roots with us.”
Widdop had played as a junior for King Cross Park and his journey now comes full circle in that he is helping guide them for their 2025 campaign.
