Huddersfield ‘getting closer’ to securing Chris McQueen for 2023

Huddersfield are close to securing Chris McQueen for the 2023 Super League season says head coach Ian Watson.

The 34-year-old back-rower remains off-contract for next season.

McQueen claimed the Lance Todd Trophy at this year’s Challenge Cup final, with his side falling short 16-14 to Wigan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Following the defeat, the one-time England international admitted he wasn’t ready to hang up the boots at the end of the current campaign.

Watson, who extended his own contract until the end of 2026, revealed to Love Rugby League that McQueen is close to extending his stay with the club.

“It’s getting closer,” Watson told Love Rugby League. “I had a chat with him about it asking where he’s at.

“The money and financial side, I want a relationship with Chris as a rugby player and a coach, rather than me getting involved in the deal and finances.

“Likewise, when I’m dealing with Richard [Thewlis], I want somebody else to sort that out. I’m here to try and win rugby games and be involved in rugby. I believe it’s pretty close to getting done. Fingers crossed we get it done.”

Chris McQueen for England?

McQueen is enjoying fine form this year, having scored 12 tries so far. It is the most for a forward in the Super League competition.

“He’s outstanding,” Watson added.

“He was a great player when he was at Wests Tigers. I tried to sign him when I was at Salford and he was playing for Wests Tigers reserves.

“It just looked like he was never going to come over here to be fair because then he got a few games. And then it was Huddersfield who grabbed him. So, he must have made his mind up to come across, which he did.

“He backed himself, came across on a low contract and you can see the rewards he’s getting now through playing consistent rugby.

“He is a great player.”

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