Huddersfield Giants reject offer from Super League rivals for half-back

Huddersfield Giants have hit a rich vein of form recently. Last week they staged a stirring comeback to beat Leeds Rhinos at Headingley. They have also qualified for a Challenge Cup semi-final against Sam Burgess’ in-form Warrington Wolves.

The Giants’ first-choice half-back pairing of Tui Lolohea and Adam Clune have played a key role in this strong run of form. This has left Watson with no choice but to leave out club stalwart, Olly Russell.

Now Watson has provided an update on Russell’s future. The half-back’s contract expires at the end of the season and clubs are beginning to compete for his signature.

No imminent exit for Russell

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Watson was full of praise for Russell. He spoke of the difficult decision he faced in leaving him out of the side.

“We love him here. He’s been a really big part of our squad for the last few years. Since I came in here, he’s played a hell of a lot of games and shown what he’s all about.

“I’m really, really pleased for Olly. It’s a frustrating one because Olly isn’t playing at this moment in time. He’ll be frustrated with me because I select the team but I wish Olly nothing but the best.

“He’s a good bloke and will have a great career whatever he decides to do.

Watson also revealed that the Huddersfield had fielded a recent enquiry to sign Russell. However, the Giants are not currently willing to let him leave, with important fixture on the horizon.

“Olly is a great, great kid and deserves to be playing in Super League somewhere. At this moment in time, he’s not getting in our team and where we are with injuries, unfortunately for Olly we can’t allow him to go out on loan anywhere.

“He’s a quality half-back and we need him if something happens because we have got quite a few niggles at the moment.

“We might look at that once we get through the semi-final.”

Russell likely to leave Huddersfield Giants at end of contract

However, Watson did appear to hint that Russell was likely to leave the Giants at the end of the season, when his contract expires. Sources have heavily linked him with a move to Wakefield Trinity. Wakefield have serious ambitions of returning to Super League and are currently top of the Championship

“Olly will make the best decision for Olly,” said Watson.

“I think Olly has already come to a decision but it’s for him to announce that when he wants to announce it.”

With Huddersfield’s semi-final against Warrington several weeks away, it appears Russell will have to wait before he gets the first-team rugby he craves.