Huddersfield Giants captain exits club immediately for “undisclosed fee”

Huddersfield Giants have confirmed that they have allowed their club captain Luke Yates to leave with immediate effect and register with Super League rivals Warrington Wolves.

It had been confirmed that the Australian would be linking up with Warrington Wolves for the 2025 season, however, this announcement has declared that Yates will make an immediate switch to join Sam Burgess’ side.

The club confirmed the news in a brief statement on their website.

It read: “Huddersfield Giants have accepted an undisclosed fee for the registration of Luke Yates for the remainder of the 2024 Betfred Super League season from Warrington Wolves. The 29 year old will now link up immediately with the Wolves for whom he had already signed to join on December 1st 2024.”

The departure of club captain Yates rounds off a tumultuous week at the John Smiths Stadium with head coach Ian Watson removed from his role on mid-week and now the Australian leaves too, creating a huge leadership gulf at the club.

It is a departure that helps explain why the Giants recalled prop Matty English early back from his loan at Castleford Tigers today.

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Huddersfield Giants captain’s message to the fans

When it was announced that Yates would be leaving Huddersfield Giants in order to link up with Warrington Wolves for 2025, it was seen as a devastating blow but to lose him with 10 games of the season remaining paints a picture of where the respective teams are at.

Huddersfield’s hopes of making the playoffs have long gone with the club losing eight of their last nine, whereas Warrington sits pretty in second and look to be the biggest threat to Wigan Warriors.

In the statement that the Giants shared, Yates’ penned a message to the fans.

“I would like to thank the club and all fans for the support and love I have received over the past four seasons.

“You have helped me grow as a person as well as a rugby player, and I am really grateful for that. It was a privilege to represent Huddersfield and to captain on a field of a great group of men.

“I wish the club and everyone involved the very best for the future.”

Managing Director Richard Thewlis added: “It’s with a heavy heart that the board have agreed to this arrangement as Luke is extremely popular within the whole club and of course an outstanding forward.

“The opportunity he has to potentially play in a Grand Final this year is a huge carrot and one that we felt we couldn’t stand in the way of should he wish to take it and once the Wolves had met our terms the decision was his which we fully support.”

Yates’ move to Warrington was confirmed back in May with the Australian noting the chance to work with Sam Burgess as a key factor. Warrington have now announced the news and confirmed that Yates could debut this week against St Helens.