Huddersfield Giants sign talented young forward to new deal

Huddersfield Giants haven’t had the season so far that they’ll have wanted with Ian Watson’s men having suffered some heavy defeats such as their 54-0 loss at Headingley, and generally failing to replicate the form of last season that saw them place third and make the Challenge Cup Final where they faced Wigan Warriors.

Despite that there has been positive signs of late with the Giants currently on a win streak of three, the first time they’ve achieved that feat this season, and with the spine finally starting to click.

That has been at the expense of young Will Pryce but with Jake Connor as competition it’s a tough ask for the NRL-bound talent.

There has been plenty of youth within the team though with Matty English impressing in the pack and Owen Trout tearing it up before his season-ending injury.

Ian Watson has clearly looked to build for the future as well which is evident through the earlier signing of George Flanagan Jr from Bradford Bulls and the extension of Kieran Rush’s deal.

They’ve now tied down another young forward with Fenton Rogers signing a three-year deal with the Giants, as announced by the club via their website with the following statement shared.

“Highly Rated forward Fenton Rogers has signed a new three-year deal at the Huddersfield Giants, after impressing on-loan and within the First Team.

“Fenton has spent the majority of the 2023 season on-loan at Betfred Championship neighbours Bradford Bulls, and has quickly become a fans favourite with his no-nonsense, aggressive style of play.

“Rogers hasn’t looked out of place against seasoned veterans in the Championship and was also rewarded with his First-Team debut for the Giants, away at Wigan Warriors where he impressed the Giants faithful.

“Following in the footsteps of Kieran Rush, Fenny becomes another talented player to be rewarded with a new deal after coming through the Huddersfield Giants Pathway system, after joining from Saddleworth Rangers.”

On his deal, Rogers said:  “I’m happy to have been given the opportunity to stay at this club for another 3 years and I’m excited to see what the future holds, I’ve enjoyed my time at Bradford, playing consistently in a good Championship side. It’s taught me so much playing under quality coaches there such as Brian Noble.

“Making my debut for the Giants was a proud moment, I hope it’s the first of many and I’m going to do everything I can to put my best foot forward and get into the team.

“At the Giants we have overall goals as you can imagine such as winning finals and playing in them big games but personally I want to just try and get in that team and do what it takes, as there is such quality and depth in the team, but I believe working under Ian Watson will guide me towards that.”

Giants boss Ian Watson also expressed delight at extending the loose forward.

“We’re delighted to have Fenton signed up, it’s another proud moment for the club, like (Kieran) Rushy, where they have come through the system and it’s a proud moment for himself, and all the backroom staff who have overseen Fenton’s development”, said Watson.

“Ourselves at the club believe that it’s the right club for Fenton to continue his development and fulfil his ambitions, we’ve kept a close eye on his performances at Bradford and are pleased with his development.

“Fenton came into the group and made his First Team debut in a hostile environment vs a physical and strong Wigan team, and he handled himself well and put his best foot forward for the future.

“The perfect scenario for Fenton is for us to continue to monitor him on loan, and maybe to get him into the First Team before the end of the season and for that to continue into 2024.”

His immediate focus will be on establishing himself as a key cog this season and with Luke Yates having picked up a knock on his ankle in last night’s victory, there’s a chance Rogers could earn a first team shot.