He leaves with our best wishes: Huddersfield’s Will Pryce to chase NRL dream

Huddersfield managing director Richard Thewlis says Will Pryce will leave the club’s best wishes at the end of the 2023 season as he heads for the NRL.

The 19-year-old has scored 11 tries and kicked 56 goals in 27 appearances for the Giants since making his first team debut in 2021.

England Knights international Pryce, a full-back or half-back, has signed a two-year contract with Newcastle Knights from 2024.

Thewlis said: “We have known for some time now via Will’s management and Will himself that he was set for a move in 2024 and we wish him every possible success.

“It feels better for all concerned to get the news out now rather than have endless speculation during the early part of next year when contracts can tend to form a large part of the media questioning at every club’s weekly press briefings.

“Will leaves in around a year’s time with our very best wishes for the future and we look forward to watching his progress Down Under. For our part we did of course want him to stay and gave him an opportunity to do so but his heart is set on a change of lifestyle and new challenge abroad.

“The key focus for Will now is to have a great pre-season with us and get ready to become an integral part of Ian Watson’s 2023 plans. We believe we have an excellent squad and the opportunity and ability to push on again after last year’s successes.”

Will Pryce dream move highlights the strength of Huddersfield’s academy

Thewlis paid tribute to the club’s academy in the wake of Pryce’s move Down Under.

He added: “Whilst there is obvious disappointment at the club, it is also a great accolade for Will to be offered an opportunity whilst so young and for the coaches involved in our player development model and indeed everyone here who has been involved with Will from his first a day as a 16-year-old.

“It shows that our club is one that produces high quality professional players from within. Indeed, we now sit in the top three in the entire game for developing Super League players with our academy again being graded as outstanding by the RFL’s independent auditors.”

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