Ian Watson commits long-term future to Huddersfield

Huddersfield boss Ian Watson has signed a new deal that will see him remain head coach of the Giants until at least the end of 2026. 

The 45-year-old linked up with the Giants from Salford on a three-year deal ahead of the 2021 season.

Watson announced just before his side’s Magic Weekend clash with his former club on Saturday that he has signed a long-term deal with the club.

The former Wales international guided the Giants to the Challenge Cup final in May. They are currently sitting in the top four in Super League, having won 12 from 17 matches in 2022.

Watson said: “I want to try and build something at Huddersfield and create a legacy. I feel it’s the right club to do that.

“It’s what I’ve always wanted to try and do. My last club didn’t have the resources or the youth system to do it but everything at Huddersfield is set up to be able do that.

“We want to challenge the dominance of the league. People say they like Wigan and Saints always being at the top but I don’t.

“I want a new team to come in and challenge. What Catalans are doing is great and what we’re doing is great.”

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Ian Watson on desire to go to the NRL

Watson has made no secret of the fact he would like to test himself in the NRL one day – but he insists his immediate future is with Huddersfield.

He said: “I speak to people from the NRL quite a bit. I had some agents contact me and ask me whether I would be interested in going over there but I didn’t speak to any of the clubs on the back of that.”