Huddersfield Giants will have more ‘up front power’ in 2026 following the additions made to their pack over the off-season.
That’s the belief of Giants‘ director of rugby Andy Kelly, who has added five new players to Luke Robinson’s squad ahead of the new campaign.
Niall Evalds was the first signing announced, with the full-back making his loan move from Hull KR permanent. Oliver Russell has also returned to the club after spending last season with Wakefield Trinity.
However, the other three additions have been made in the pack, with Chris Patolo joining from Manly Sea Eagles, Asher O’Donnell arriving from Brisbane Tigers and Mathieu Cozza being signed from Wakefield.
The forwards have all been in pre-season training with Robinson’s side for some time now as they ready themselves to don claret and gold in Super League and Kelly has seen enough to believe that Huddersfield will have a little extra bite in the pack in 2026.
“I think they’ve settled exceptionally well,” Kelly told Huddersfield Giants’ club media during the club’s warm weather training camp in Tenerife. “I think they’ve come in with the right frame of mind, they’ve made the leap and they’ve got into pre-season training as early as they possibly could which is what the coach Luke Robinson was after as well.
“In terms of the transition they’ve been superb. I think what they’ll bring is a level of commitment and aggression and a little bit more up front power. Chris Patolo looks a right unit and Asher, some of the lines he’s been running in training and getting over the top of people has been really good to see.
“Mathieu Cozza, who has come in from Wakefield, looks very settled. He’s a likable character and he can play so he’ll add a little bit of dynamic off the back of the pack.”
On top of the new additions, Huddersfield are approaching the new season with a fit first choice spine. Adam Clune, who has been named club captain for 2026, and Tui Lolohea both struggled with injuries last season, but they’re fit and firing at present as they strive to avoid another year like 2025.
“They’re almost new signings,” Kelly added. “I think it’s fair to say to Tui and Clune that they’ve both contributed verbally and used some of their experience and knowhow without being able to get onto the field.
“I think now they’re out there it just ups the quality of everything you’re doing because you have the right people in the right places and you’re not improvising anymore.”
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