Surprise option to play fullback for Huddersfield Giants revealed

Two fullbacks in two days have been confirmed as leaving the Huddersfield Giants.

It was finally revealed yesterday that Will Pryce would be headed to the NRL in 2024 with the Newcastle Knights on a two-year deal alongside Wigan Warriors star Kai Pearce-Paul.

Meanwhile, today the Giants have confirmed that young fullback Aidan McGowan will spend the 2023 season on loan at the Batley Bulldogs after a successful loan spell at the Dewsbury Rams.

This comes as the club have a wealth of talent at fullback.

They of course have the departing Will Pryce, who told the Daily Telegraph down under this week that he wants to play in the halves in Australia, as well as star player Tui Lolohea and new signing and ex-Hull FC man Jake Connor.

Even ex-Leeds Rhinos man Ash Golding is an option there.

But speaking about McGowan’s move, another contender for the fullback spot was revealed and it was a bit of a surprise.

Speaking about the move, Huddersfield’s Managing Director Robert Thewlis said: “The reality here this year is we that have Will Pryce, Tui Lolohea and Jake Connor all of whom play the full back role and of course as Ian has said Kevin Naiqama also has experience there so Aidens opportunities would be limited.”

So, it seems former St Helens star Kevin Naiqama could play some fullback in 2023.

Naturally a centre, he has played fullback before notably for his country Fiji and by these comments it seems Ian Watson is open to playing him there.