Huddersfield Giants sign NRL hooker Thomas Deakin

With the 2023 season coming to a climax the squad building for 2024 goes into full swing and a key talent pool for sides to recruit from is the NRL with sides such as Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC and Hull KR all having signed talent from down under for 2024.

Huddersfield Giants have now confirmed their second signing from the NRL with young hooker Thomas Deakin being added to Ian Watson’s side, following the earlier announcement of Jack Murchie.

Highly rated Deakin joins the Giants on a two-year deal from the Sydney Roosters, where he featured for their NSW Cup side during 2023, and also was part of the first team in pre-season.

Thomas, who is English, originally from Oldham, will strengthen the hooking department, after the retirement of Nathan Peats, and offer speed and distribution around the ruck.

Deakin becomes the 3rd new Giant for 2024.

The youngest, who started life in Rugby League at Oldham St Annes as a child said:

“Funnily enough, I went to watch Ian Watson’s team play against St Helens in the Grand Final a few years back.

“I was watching them and following them and they did something special. So when I heard that Huddersfield wanted me and that he was the head of that project its an opportunity I jumped at.

“I think it’s the next step in my career, I have been at the Rosters since under 13’s and it’s a big part of my life, but I think it’s time to start playing some first team footy.”

Ian Watson discussed the capture of Deakin on a two-year deal.

“Thomas is a young British nine, who we’ve kept a close eye on ever since he featured in the trial games for Sydney during pre-season.

“He’s played in the Reserve game competition for Sydney during 2023, and we’ve been watching how he’s performed.

“I feel that Thomas will be a great fit for the organisation, he’s also a boxing champion so he comes with the right work ethic and mentality and that’s the sort of player we want to promote through the Giants.

“He’s been well educated and in a great environment in the Roosters system, while also training with the first team during pre-season, he’ll a learnt so much from the players they have there.

“Attack wise he’s quick from dummy-half and has some real good distribution, defensively he’s not afraid of putting his body in and can also fit in at loose if needed, giving us good strength in our spine.”