Huddersfield boss predicts “phenomenal” future for new recruit

Huddersfield head coach Ian Watson has predicted a bright future for new recruit and former NRL forward Harry Rushton following his move to the John Smith’s Stadium. 

Rushton, 21, returned to England during the off-season on a three-year deal with the Giants.

He made the move to the NRL with Canberra Raiders from Wigan ahead of the 2021 season, first featuring in their NSW Cup team, making 10 appearances before the season was curtailed.

Rushton made his first-team debut in 2022 against Penrith in round seven. The utility forward went on to make two more appearances that season.

He later represented Ireland at the delayed 2021 World Cup in England, featuring in all three of their group stage fixtures against Jamaica, New Zealand and Lebanon.

Upon his return to Super League with Huddersfield, Rushton will wear shirt number 16 in his debut year with the club. And Watson is excited to see what the talented youngster can do in years to come.

Watson predicts bright future for Harry Rushton

“He’s a great kid, he’s got a big, big future in the game,” Watson told Love Rugby League.

“We’re really lucky to have him back over here from Canberra. He’s only so young as well and I’ve got big hopes for Harry. I think he’s going to be a phenomenal player.

“The more and more he grows and the more he plays, he’s going to be phenomenal player in a few years. 

“We see this young lad come back from the NRL, but he’s a young lad who has been competing against some top players over there. And when he’s played the NRL, he hasn’t looked out of place one bit.

“He’s still got a hell of a lot of development in him, it’s exciting.

“What we want to build at Huddersfield is a club that can leave a legacy and we can build a legacy as well and Harry is going to be a massive part of that moving forward.”

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