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Giants snap up Leeds hopeful

29/09/2005

Leeds Rhinos winger Mat Gardner has moved to Huddersfield Giants on a two-year-deal.

Calling his move to the Galpharm Stadium the "best move" he could have made after limited first-team opportunities at Leeds, the 20-year-old is aiming to prove his undoubted talent in the engage Super League next season.

He has already represented England at academy level and played in three academy grand finals and he is tipped to become a future Great Britain player.

Gardner spent part of last season at Castleford on loan but sees his move to the Giants as the chance to take his career to the next level.

"I believe coming to Huddersfield is the best move I could have made at this stage of my career," he said.

"I served a great apprenticeship at Leeds Rhinos and I’m now ready to move on.

"Unfortunately, my chances at Headingley were very limited, which proved frustrating. I see this move as the chance for me to prove myself at Super League level, and I believe I have a lot to offer."

Other clubs were interested in signing Gardner, but Giants coach Jon Sharp was able to persuade him that Huddersfield would be genuine Super League contenders next season.

"Mat has great physical presence to go with the pace and strength that means he is a handful for most defences," Sharp said.

"I am really looking forward to working with him and helping him to fulfil his potential and develop into a top Super League winger."

Gardner joins former Wakefield back-row forward Steve Snitch and Wigan's utility player Stephen Wild in joining the Giants in the last few days.

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