Ian Watson predicts bright future for Huddersfield Giants rising star: ‘His levels in training are through the roof’

Huddersfield Giants coach Ian Watson has high hopes for Jamaica star Kieran Rush, who recently signed a long-term deal with the club.

The Dewsbury-born half-back came through the ranks at the Giants and made his first team debut earlier this season.

Despite only being 20 years of age, Rush has already achieved so much in his short professional career, becoming the first player to score points for Jamaica at a Rugby League World Cup last year.

Watson has predicted a big future for Rush, who last week committed his future to the Giants until at least the end of the 2026 season.

“He made his debut this year as well which was a big stepping stone in Rushy’s career and a positive one as well,” Watson said.

“Like most players, there are things you can do better but I thought he did really well and was solid in that first game and since then he’s been able to get a Championship club (Keighley, loan) on the back of that and started to perform really well for them but then got a bit of a nasty hamstring injury so he’s been out for a while, but we see Rushy as one of us.

“He’s come through the youth system, he’s one of our kids and we want to develop him into the right environment and hopefully help him fulfil his dream which is to play Super League for Huddersfield Giants.”

‘His training levels are through the roof’ – Ian Watson on Huddersfield Giants starlet Kieran Rush

Rush, who played in all three of Jamaica’s World Cup matches last year, is in a similar mould to regular first team Olly Russell, according to Watson.

Watson has been impressed with Rush in training, and has praised the former Yorkshire Academy representative’s attitude and the way he applies himself.

Watson said: “He’s very similar in lots of ways to Olly Russell in that kind of controlling half-back who is a good organiser, has a really good kicking game and defensively he isn’t scared about putting his body in.

“Normally, when they are a little bit smaller and come up against the big guys they aren’t too keen about getting stuck in, but with Rushy playing a lot of nine as well as he’s come through, he’s actually got pretty used to that and is quite happy to throw his body in front of the big guys on the edge as well which will stand him in good stead.

“He’s a great kid, he’s someone who I’ve spoken about quite a lot since I’ve come here because his levels in training are through the roof.

“He tests our first team when he’s running against them and when he’s dropped in he looks comfortable and composed.

“He just needs to keep doing what he’s doing, keep his head down and keep working hard then I’m sure success will follow on the back of that.”

READ NEXT: Huddersfield Giants face nervous wait on injured duo as Ian Watson beams over ‘great result’