Huddersfield land number one target Akuila Uate

Huddersfield have confirmed the signing of Fiji and Australia international Akuila Uate on a three-year deal.

Uate, 31, has long been linked with the Giants since the arrival of Simon Woolford as coach and he makes the move from Manly Sea Eagles.

Giants managing director, Richard Thewlis, said: “From the word go Aku was Simon’s number one

priority strike signing for 2019 and it was his relationship with him that went a long way to ensuring he will become a Giant.”

Uate has played 200 games in the NRL for the Sea Eagles and Newcastle Knights, where he scored 110 tries.

He has scored 14 tries in 18 appearances for Fiji, and has also represented New South Wales and Australia five times.

Coach Woolford said: “Akuila is a player with true class and pedigree having scored over 100

NRL tries and playing at the highest level internationally as well as in State of Origin, so we’re really excited to add him to our ranks for 2019.

“In Akuila Uate and Jermaine McGillvary we have two world class outstanding wingers who are capable of scoring some magnificent tries and making some big metres during games.

“Aku will really strengthen our side as well as help to develop the number of talented young wingers at the club, particularly Innes and Louis Senior and I feel it’s a real statement signing from the Club which shows our ambitions and where we want to be.”