Huddersfield Giants have padded out their team for next season as they’ve signed NRL hooker Zac Woolford for 2025.
That name will be familiar for Huddersfield Giants fans, at least the surname will be anyway, with Woolford being the son of the club’s former coach Simon Woolford who was in charge from 2018 to 2020.
In fact, current head coach Luke Robinson was handed the interim coaching role after Woolford’s resignation and Woolford’s son Zac will now play under Robinson in 2025.
The signing was confirmed on Sky Sports News’ The Verdict with Woolford being the first signing under new head coach Luke Robinson, who signed a three-year deal just last week.
Huddersfield Giants have also confirmed the signing with the club releasing a brief statement to announce the one-year deal.
It read: “Huddersfield Giants have signed Australian Hooker Zac Woolford on a one-year deal from Canberra Raiders.”
Woolford will be joined by fellow NRL signing Tom Burgess with the England international the Giants’ standout signing for 2025.
What they said as Huddersfield Giants sign NRL hooker
Credit: Getty Images
The 28-year-old has plenty of NRL experience and will be a major addition for Huddersfield Giants who have had veteran hooker Adam Milner operating in the number nine role this season, backed up by youngsters Thomas Deakin and Kieran Rush.
Woolford will bring a quality that isn’t currently within the Giants’ squad and at age 28, he’s heading into the prime of his career.
Opportunities have been limited at Canberra Raiders for him in 2024 with Woolford making just one appearance but he did make 21 the season prior and has torn up the New South Wales Cup in 2024.
Speaking on his move to Huddersfield Giants, Woolford said: “I’m stoked to get it all done. I’ve been in talks for a few weeks now so I’m glad it’s all done and signed.
“I can’t wait to get over there and get started.
“I’m following in the footsteps here in Canberra of my dad and now moving on to a club he’s previously been involved in, and he’s really happy for me.”
Luke Robinson added: “All of us at the Huddersfield Giants are really pleased to have acquired the services of Zac Woolford. It’s been no secret that the club have been looking for a Hooker and we think he ticks all the right boxes.
“He’s a big boy that likes defending and he’s got great service. He’s also got great deception, he’s a crafty hooker which we think will enhance our attack no end.
“One of the most important things is that we feel like he’s at a really good age, he’s got a lot of NRL experience behind him but his best years are in front of him still.
“We feel like him coming in the pomp of his career can be really beneficial experience that will not only aid us on the field but can be a big part of our leadership group off it as well, so exciting both for him and for us.”
