Huddersfield Giants head coach Luke Robinson has spoken on the club’s troubles in recruiting for the future amid a positive injury update.
In the midst of Wakefield Trinity announcing a third overseas recruit ahead of the 2026 season, Robinson was asked by BBC Radio Leeds how his side are faring in terms of recruitment.
The answer wasn’t one that would please Huddersfield fans as the Giants coach responded: “It’s very difficult really, our hands are tied a little bit regarding cap. There needs to be movement from within before we can go (recruit).
“That’s nothing to do with me or Andy Kelly or the club. It’s just what’s happened previous. I wouldn’t say our hands are fully tied but there are a lot of moving parts that need to be moved first.”
Despite that, Robinson confirmed that things are happening and he explained how the suggestion that overseas quota spaces are increased to ten means there is less of a rush.
“There are things going on behind the scenes but it’s not a simple case of being ready and available and ready to move. It’s trying to get all that stuff sorted.
“It’s probably opened the market a lot more now it’s gone to ten spots so there isn’t as big a rush but obviously you’d like to get things done as early as possible so you know what you’re dealing with for 2026 and 2027.”
Huddersfield Giants receive Niall Evalds’ injury boost
As for 2025, Huddersfield turn their attention to Friday night’s home game against Wakefield Trinity and there are two positive updates in terms of the squad.
Tom Burgess, who missed out last week due to illness, is in line to return whilst full-back Niall Evalds could also play which is a major boost.
Evalds suffered a broken foot in his first match for the Giants and hasn’t featured since but Robinson confirmed: “He has been training with us the last week and a half to two weeks so he’s potentially going to play tomorrow, which is really good news from our perspective.
“He’s one of the best full-backs in the competition, not only attacking-wise but defensively that’s something that the latter end of the Wigan game showed we need.”
That won’t displace George Flanagan from the squad though, as Robinson noted: “George is going to play this week. He’s a young kid with a lot of potential and someone I look at as the long-term future of the club.
“He’s probably someone who has played more games than he should have for where he is in his career. We probably should have played him for a few weeks then brought him out to let him develop.
“He’s still a massive massive part of this squad. Niall could potentially play this game and get injured the way out season has gone but from an individual development (perspective), I think it’s going to be really good for George to actually work on his game.”
The Huddersfield Giants boss also confirmed that the loan for Matt Frawley has been extended, announcing: “It (initial four-week loan) expired on Monday but we’ve spoke to Leeds and they’re happy for us to keep him for the foreseeable future.
“It’s really good for us because you need a settled spine.”
