Huddersfield Giants have added to their squad with immediate effect, with new head coach Jim Lenihan making his first signing.
Lenihan has opted to bring in a familiar face, after recruiting an Australian forward from his former club, Brisbane Tigers.
Zane Dunford will join the Giants on an 18-month contract, as he reunites with his former boss from the first-half of the 2026 season.
At 24, Dunford has plenty of potential to excel in Super League, and he has excelled in the Queensland Cup competition.
Featuring in all bar one game this season, Dunford has crossed for three tries in the Australian reserve grade, and he now becomes the latest member of the Giants squad.
Dunford will arrive in the UK over the weekend, before potentially making his debut in next week’s game against St Helens.
The back rower has previously played alongside current Giants player Chris Patolo, doing so for Manly Sea Eagles in the NSW Cup, so there will be a few friendly faces awaiting him when he arrives at the Accu Stadium.
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Huddersfield Giants land mid-season signing as Australian forward joins
Giants boss Jim Lenihan said on the signing: “I brought Zane over from Manly to Brisbane this year, and when the opportunity came up to bring him to Huddersfield we jumped at it.
“He’s a great middle that has been playing and excelling in the back-row. A good line runner and tough in defence, we’re over the moon to have him here for the next 18 months.
“Zane’s also a great bloke as well and fits in with the people who we want to recruit here. He’s looking forward to his chance in Super League and playing for Huddersfield.
“I know that he’ll work extremely hard for the team and it’s a great addition for us.”
