Huddersfield Giants veteran leaves the club after 15 seasons

Huddersfield Giants have confirmed that club legend Michael Lawrence will call time on his 16 year stay at the club, as he joins Bradford Bulls.

Lawrence has agreed a move to Championship side the Bradford Bulls that sees him sign two-year deal with immediate effect. Lawrence will join up with younger Giants squad members George Roby and Fenton Rogers who left the club on loan as well as former teammates Tom Holmes and Chester Butler.

The first year of the deal will be a loan, as driven by Lawrence himself as to still be associated with his boyhood club.

After making 324 appearances for the Giants, and crossing for 52 tries, He is certainly a club legend.

Lawrence made the step up to the first team after a consistent number of outstanding appearances for the Academy in 2007, ahead of the 2008 Super League season and originally played on the wing or centre, before moving into a more forward role in the future.

He made his debut vs Warrington Wolves in 2008, making him the first player born in 1990’s to play in Super League.

He also won the League Leaders shield in 2013 with the Huddersfield Giants, and went on to be one of the most successful Giants players in recent history, being part of some of the greatest sides in recent history and playing an influential role in crucial victories over the years.

The 32-year old Jamaican international said he was excited for the challenge ahead yet sad to leave his boyhood club.

“First and foremost I’ve been lucky enough to live out my dream to represent my home town for so long, I’ve made many great memories on and off the field over the past 16 years. I’d like to thank Ken and Richard and all the back room and performance staff for everything they’ve done for me at the club, my team mates who I’ve played with who are friends for life and finally the loyal fans who have supported me and the club through thick and thin. Now I’m very excited for my new challenge at the Bradford Bulls and wish the giants all the best for the season ahead.

Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis paid tribute to the man who made 324 appearances in the claret and gold.

“There is no doubt whatsoever in my mind that Michael Lawrence leaves our club as a modern day icon of the club and town. He has played his entire career with us since joining from Newsome Panthers and has been a role model professional at all times. Last year was the first I guess when he simply didn’t get the game time that he’d become accustomed to and there is no doubt that it hurt him however in typical style he battled on and did all he could for the team on and off the field. He has never been anything but a superb professional, it really is that simple.

“The reality now however is that he wants to play week in week out and the opportunity for him to do so has arisen elsewhere and its one I know he is excited about. It’s a sad day for many of us at the club who’ve known him so long but one that Michael wants and one that we will continue to support him in and he and his family know that they will always be welcome back at any time. “