Huddersfield Giants sign Colton Roche from Bradford Bulls
Thursday 12 October 2017 07:57, UK
Huddersfield Giants have signed Colton Roche from Bradford Bulls on a two-year contract.
The 24-year-old - who came through the Leeds Rhinos academy - has played twice for Ireland and joins Adam Walne in making the move to the John Smith's Stadium ahead of the 2018 season.
"I'm definitely excited. It's a club that as soon as they gave me a call and asked me to join I jumped at the chance," utility player Roche told the club's official website.
"Just being in the changing room and around the stadium, with all due to respect to the Championship clubs, this is a different world and I'm really looking forward to the professionalism at this club and to make myself a better player in every opportunity I get.
"I'd actually spoken to Adam O'Brien before the move and he had nothing to say but good things about the club and that made my decision a bit easier.
"It will be good to get behind some other experienced players and hopefully I'll get some appearances under my belt.
"I just want to get in the side as early as possible and to be consistent all year to make sure I improve every game.
"The club has great facilities and a great stadium and we just need everyone to get behind it. Get the young fans down and the older heads just to keep on coming down.
"It's been a really good team for the last five years now so hopefully the fans will keep that morale going to put us in good stead for the future."
Giants Head Coach Rick Stone praised Roche's versatility - he can play prop, second-row or centre - as he welcomed him to the club.
"He's a young lad we feel deserves an opportunity in full-time Super League," said Stone.
"He's a forward that can operate in a number of roles and offer greater depth to our squad and we look forward to seeing how he progresses in 2018 pre-season training."
Huddersfield finished eighth at the end of the regular Super League season and remained in the same position at the end of the Super 8s after winning just two further games in post-season.
