Gaskell signs new Giants deal

Huddersfield Giants stand-off Lee Gaskell has signed a new one-year deal with the club.

The 29-year-old joined the Giants in 2017 from Bradford and has since made 80 appearances, as well as picking up several club accolades including Players Player of the Year and Supporters Player of the Year at last year’s end of season awards.

His new contract will see him remain at the John Smith’s Stadium until at least the end of the 2021 season.

He becomes the seventh Giants to commit his future to the club of late, joining Jake Wardle, Oliver Russell, Sam Hewitt, Jon Luke Kirby and the Senior twins, Louis and Innes, in penning a new deal.

“Our aim before we broke up was always the play offs, we started the season really good,” he told the Giants’ official club website. “We know it’s been a long time since we’ve trained or played with each other but hopefully once we return we can keep that form going.

“It’s obviously been a difficult time for everyone during this current pandemic, so to get a deal sorted before we go back to training was the main focus, so I could fully concentrate on having a successful season when we eventually return.

“It’s been pretty tough to be fair with not having any access to anything. I managed to get hold of some equipment to tick over with and (have) also been going for runs trying to keep my fitness up.

“I think everyone’s excited to be back playing, it’s been a long time now sat at home not really knowing what’s going on but I think with the latest news of the return it’s given everyone something to look forward to.”

Giants head coach Simon Woolford added: “Gasky is obviously an important part of the squad we’re building moving forward, it’s a real relief he’s committed for another 12 months.

“It’s been really pleasing to see the combination he and Seze have formed in such a short period of time, and I’m excited to see their natural progression and improvement once we get back playing.”