Released Huddersfield Giants back Aidan McGowan has found himself a new club on the eve of the season, making a move to the Betfred Championship.
The Championship season begins on Friday night when Salford RLFC host Oldham with the competition looking very different this year, as a 20-team competition following the merger with League One.
It’s also a competition that has been rocked by the withdrawal of Featherstone Rovers who were denied RFL membership after they entered administration.
With all of the off-season played out and the competition’s launch event behind us, there is still time for some signing news with former Huddersfield man McGowan signing with Newcastle Thunder.
Thunder have been very ambitious in their recruitment with last year’s League One wooden spooners making plenty of signings from Super League, particularly York Knights with whom they have an affiliation.
Thus far, nine players who played for York in 2025 have signed with the Knights including former Huddersfield Giants man Ukuma Ta’ai, who has taken on the role of player coach.
Newcastle Thunder sign former Huddersfield Giants man
Aidan McGowan now becomes another Huddersfield Giants man to join Newcastle with the Ireland international released from his contract with the Super League club at the end of the 2025 season.
McGowan played a total of 17 times for the Giants but spent much of 2025 on loan with Batley Bulldogs, though he did end the season with Huddersfield, playing in rounds 23 and 25 against Warrington and Leeds respectively.
Confirming his signing, Newcastle said: “Newcastle Thunder are pleased to announce the signing of Aidan McGowan, formerly of Huddersfield Giants, who will join the club ahead of the 2026 Betfred Championship campaign.
“McGowan brings valuable Super League experience to the team after his time with Huddersfield Giants, adding depth, physicality and professionalism to the Thunder squad.”
Head Coach Graham Steadman added: “His exposure to the elite level of the game will be a major asset as the club continues to build a competitive group capable of challenging in the Championship.”
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Newcastle Thunder are pleased to announce the signing of Aidan McGowan, formerly of Huddersfield Giants, who will join the club ahead of the 2026 Betfred Championship campaign.
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— Newcastle Thunder (@ThunderRugby) January 15, 2026
