Huddersfield Giants a ‘step closer’ to Super League Grand Final after Jim Lenihan hire, claims owner

Huddersfield Giants are a ‘step closer’ to their long-term goal of winning a Super League Grand Final after hiring Jimmy Lenihan to be their new head coach, according to club owner Ken Davy.

Davy has bankrolled the Giants for many years now and this past off-season has seen the club launch a ‘Giants Unleashed’ programme, the ultimate aim of which is to win the Super League Grand Final.

All at the club are well aware that it’s a long process but in Davy’s eyes, hiring Lenihan is one small step forwards in achieving that goal with the club owner commenting on the club’s website about the hire.

Specifically on that, Davy said: “Our search for our Head Coach, alongside our reset programme of “GiantsUnleashed” has at its heart a simple remit, which is for our Giants team to walk out at Wembley or Old Trafford.

“With Jimmy Lenihan as our Head Coach I firmly believe that we are step closer to that goal and I look forward to working alongside him to achieve our ambitions and I look forward to sharing that journey with everyone.”

Leeds Rhinos star’s controversial charge, inconsistent Hull FC and Challenge Cup predictions – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show

Huddersfield Giants still awaiting visa clearance for head coach hire

Lenihan will arrive in the country in the coming days and weeks with his hire still subject to visa clearance, something that Davy addressed as he confirmed the Australian will begin working with Andy Kelly, the club’s director of rugby, with immediate effect.

With the visa process initiated today, Davy added: “We therefore expect to be able to confirm Jimmy Lenihan’s arrival date very shortly and as soon as it’s confirmed we will of course announce it.”

Davy pointed to Lenihan’s time as a Giants player as an added bonus in the hire, stating: “As some of you will recall, Jimmy Lenihan had an enjoyable season here as a player and top try scorer, a few years ago and now returns to the Club as our Head Coach.

“His time here as a player means he knows the area well and still has many personal friends amongst our supporters and the wider Huddersfield community.”

On the 52-year-old’s qualities as a coach and what Lenihan will bring, Davy said: “After speaking at length to Jimmy I had no doubt that he was the man for us. I believe his enthusiasm about where he can take this great Club of ours is well grounded in ability, work ethic, ambition, intelligence and smartness.

“Above all he has a clear direction and purpose of what he will bring to the Club and the town. His wealth of experience will help improve our players, both individually and collectively. In addition, he will be a great mentor for all our younger coaches and support staff.”