Huddersfield Giants sign Jake Mamo on two-year deal
Tuesday 20 December 2016 10:38, UK
Jake Mamo has signed a two-year contract to join Huddersfield Giants from NRL side Newcastle Knights.
The 22-year-old full-back was Giants coach Rick Stone's No 1 target ahead of the new season, and the pair's previous close working relationship during Stone's time at the Knights was a big factor in the move.
"I have worked with Jake for the last few years and I know what he is about and to have him coming to the Giants for the next few years is a great boost," said Stone.
"Jake is an explosive quality, who brings plenty to the table offensively. He's courageous, fit and really quick. I'm sure the crowd are going to really enjoy watching him play and hopefully he will score plenty of tries for the Giants in the next couple of years.
"Jake's just finishing three years of first grade experience with the Newcastle Knights, he's one of the real upcoming players in the NRL and as we have all seen on a couple of highlights, Jake can do some really spectacular things. I'm sure first of all that he is going to enjoy his time in Huddersfield and become a really valuable member of our team and hopefully lift us up the table in 2017."
Mamo added: "I'm really excited to be joining the Giants. It's a new experience for me coming over to England, as I have only ever lived at home, but I'm excited by the opportunity and can't wait to get started.
"The move has been in the works for a while now, so it's a relief to have it sorted. I've known Rick since I was 18 and have been coached by him before and we've always got on well, so it's good to join back up with him.
"I feel like I'm ready for a new challenge in my career and I think coming over to England will be good for me. I'm injured at the moment but once I'm fit and back in training, I'm keen to cement that full-back position as my own."
Giants managing director Richard Thewlis said Mamo could remain at the Knights to train over the Christmas period while visa processes are completed.
Thewlis also confirmed the deal gives the Knights permission to bring forward their signing of Joe Wardle for 2018 to 2017 should they and the player wish to do so.
