Long-serving Huddersfield hooker pushed out following Adam Milner’s arrival

Long-serving Huddersfield hooker Adam O’Brien has made a season-long move into the Championship just weeks following Adam Milner’s arrival. 

After two weeks, Huddersfield hold the option to recall the 29-year-old.

Utility player Milner, 31, made the mid-season switch from Castleford just last month on a season-long loan, before making the move permanently to the John Smith’s Stadium with an option until 2025.

O’Brien has been limited to just five Super League appearances this campaign, having last featured against Castleford earlier on May.

He will join Simon Grix’s Halifax in the Championship, who currently sit sixth in the table with a record of seven wins from 13.

Adam O’Brien on hometown move

“I’m really happy to join my hometown team,” said O’Brien. 

“With Adam Milner’s move to Huddersfield, it’s taken my game time away, and I want to be playing every week. So I think it’s a good move to get some minutes back into my game.

“In terms of what I bring to the side, I feel I’m a good organiser and a bit of a cool head when needed on the pitch.

“I’m excited for the rest of the season and seeing what I can bring to the team and hopefully pushing for the top end of the table when it comes to the business end of the year.

“I can’t wait to play in front of the Fax fans back at the shay, I’ve been to watch a few games this year and the atmosphere has been great and it’s a massive lift for players to play in front of. I’m looking forward to getting started with the boys.”

Simon Grix on latest edition

Head coach Grix added: “The move came about pretty fast really. Adam O’Brien has become frustrated at his limited game time and we heard he was looking for a change.

“We are lacking leadership and direction, specifically in the verbal sense on the field at the moment so I feel he fits the bill. Adam is experienced and brings those leadership qualities that we are missing.

“He is an experienced player who knows his craft very well.

“He is good at directing traffic and bringing players on to the ball.  Adam is a leader in his actions but more importantly to our group, in his communication skills.

“He will have an impact on our other hookers and general group with his professionalism and attention to detail.”

“It may ruffle some feathers I am sure, but in reality if nothing changes, then nothing changes.

“We have a few obstacles at the minute between injuries and bans and we can either be paralysed by these obstacles and sit still hoping it gets better or we can make some changes to help ourselves overcome them.  After consideration and conversation, we feel the latter is the way to go.

“He came a while back now on loan and was great for us. As a local lad, he really enjoyed representing his hometown club back then which has obviously fuelled a desire to do so again.

“He wouldn’t have been short of suitors so we are happy to get him in and he is up for the challenge presented.”

READ NEXT: Leeds Rhinos boss addresses Luke Brooks speculation; further update on off-contract stars

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app