Huddersfield Giants sign Bailey

Huddersfield Giants have made London Broncos' Australian forward Chris Bailey their first signing for 2014.

The 31-year old back rower, who played for the Exiles against England this year, will join the Giants ahead of next season on a two-year contract.

Bailey, whose older brother Phil played for Wigan Warriors from 2007-10, is the 10th player to confirm his departure from the Broncos.

"I am ecstatic to be joining Huddersfield Giants," Bailey said. "They are a team with a strong rugby league tradition and history, amazing fans and facilities.

"I was talking to a few clubs, both in the UK and overseas, but Huddersfield, because of their focus on building a strong team over the past few years and the strength of the coaching team, were always top of my list."

The former Newcastle and Manly player made the last of his 73 appearances for the Londoners in their record 82-10 defeat by Warrington Wolves at Gillingham on June 8, a week before tearing a bicep playing for the Exiles.

Bailey missed the last three months of the season with the injury but Huddersfield say he has now been passed fully fit and is expected to start pre-season training with them in November.

Giants managing director Richard Thewlis said: "He was a hot property in a fairly skinny recruitment market for quality players.

"He has had some stellar seasons for London and players of his experience are few and far.

"For him to choose our club is wonderful news as his clear remit in talks with his manager and himself was that he wanted to come to a club with genuine silverware ambition.

"We have that and it's good that he recognises that and wants to add himself into what will be a competitive environment as we look to make further strides forward."

Huddersfield coach Paul Anderson said: "What he will bring is plenty of experience and a new dimension to us. He can play in numerous positions at 13, in the back row or as a half and, therefore, he has a lot of utility value.

"The role we have planned for him in and around the middle of the field will add another element to our attack. He's got a lot of quality and has some good experience in the NRL with Manly and then a few years at London.

"He's always someone we've had to look out for when we've played against them. Chris is not coming to the Giants to see his career out he has come to win something and challenge for honours and that was the key for me."

Source: RFL