Huddersfield Giants have confirmed the appointment of Simon Woolford as their new head coach.
It is the first senior coaching role for Woolford, who leaves his position as assistant to former Giants coach Nathan Brown at the Newcastle Knights in the NRL.
The 43-year-old joins with Huddersfield lying bottom of the Super League table, with interim coach Chris Thorman failing to pick up a win in six matches since the sacking of Rick Stone.
The former Canberra captain has signed a contract with the Giants until the end of the 2020 season.
Woolford has said that it is a “great honour” to coach “such a famous club”.
He added: “I have had ambitions on being a head coach for some time now, and after speaking with Nathan Brown and gaining his full support, this job felt just right.
“There is an immediate challenge at the Giants, and just as important a goal for long term success as well.
“It’s certainly not going to be a case of coming in and waving a magic wand, it’s going to take some hard work and some buy in from everyone involved at the club.
“I am totally committed to getting this great club back to where it belongs, I can’t wait to get cracking.”
Managing Director Richard Thewlis said that Woolford showed the “passion, preparation and desire” that the Giants were looking for.
“He has looked in detail already at our roster, staffing structure and overall club set up and is very excited to get over here as soon as possible.
“Simon came up as the right man for us at this important time.”
