Huddersfield Giants confirm immediate release of overseas forward

Huddersfield Giants have confirmed the immediate release of back-rower Jack Murchie.

Murchie still had another year left to run on his contract at the John Smith’s Stadium, but Huddersfield have agreed to release him from that deal to allow him to return home to Australia.

The decision brings an end to a season and a half long stint in West Yorkshire for Murchie, having joined the club from Parramatta Eels ahead of the 2024 Super League season. Murchie has made just 17 appearances for the Giants in that time, with the back-rower missing huge amounts of game time both this year and last.

He made 11 appearances last season and while he did score three tries, his final appearance of the campaign came in May. And, this year he’s made just six outings in claret and gold with his last game for the club coming in round five of Super League.

The 27-year-old, who counts Canberra Raiders and New Zealand Warriors as former clubs, returns down under but his next steps in the game remain unknown at this point.

In a statement released by the club to confirm the news, director of rugby Andy Kelly said: “We’re always appreciative of a player who comes over and gives their best for the Giants, we’re sympathetic to the reasons why Jack wants to go home and we’ve worked together to ensure that happens, we wish him the very best of luck.”

Huddersfield Giants’ quota situation

The departure opens up a quota spot which the Giants look set to fill immediately with the signing of Matt Frawley from Leeds Rhinos.

The half-back will reportedly join the club after struggling for game time at Headingley having fallen behind Jake Connor in Brad Arthur’s hack-back pecking order. The signing comes following yet another injury to star pivot Adam Clune.

With Taane Milne, Zac Woolford, Jacob Gagai, Tristan Powell and Tui Lolohea also on their roster, the Giants are full up when it comes to overseas talent for the time being.