O’Brien joins Halifax on loan

Huddersfield hooker Adam O’Brien has joined Halifax on a month’s loan.

The Halifax native recently signed a three-year deal with the Giants, after joining them after a spell with Bradford.

“Being a local lad I bit at the chance, to be honest,” said the 23-year-old.

“It’s a massive buzz for me to play for my home side after so long at Bradford, and I’m proud to be a homegrown talent.

“I’m excited to play and hopefully we’ll have a great game this weekend.”

Fax coach Richard Marshall feels O’Brien can add quality to his team.

“He’s always played well against us, so I’m delighted to have him on board,” he said.

“He’s an experienced number nine and will certainly speed up our game around the ruck.”

Huddersfield managing director Richard Thewlis believes that the loan spell will be good for O’Brien, as will Liam Johnson’s loan move to Sheffield Eagles, which was also confirmed today.

“Head coach Rick Stone is keen wherever possible to get his senior squad in action week in week out and with us having a full time squad of 31 this is quite a challenge,” said Thewlis.

“We speak regularly with our dual registration partner Oldham, who will again be taking three lads this weekend, and the deals with Halifax and Sheffield will allow Adam and Liam to continue their development in the highly competitive Championship environment.

“The players themselves know that this is the best way to catch the coaches eye and force themselves into Stoney’s Super league 17 and they are watched every time they play in the Championship, with Rick also speaking to their coaches at their respective clubs.”