GIANTS STRENGTHEN FOR 2020 WITH ADDITION OF BUTLER

Chester Butler signs from Halifax on a three-year deal from 2020

Huddersfield Giants Head Coach Simon Woolford has added to his squad for 2020 with the addition of 23 year old backrow/centre Chester Butler who will join on a 3 year deal.

Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis said “With Alex Mellor having turned down the opportunity to resign with us at this stage we have an obvious place for a backrow/centre type player. We believe Chester to be a stand out player in the Championship and approached Halifax for permission to speak to him. 

"This was granted for which we thank Ian Croad and the Halifax club and they were keen for him to have a chance at the full-time environment with the gentleman's agreement that if game time next year is needed then Halifax would be our first call. 

"Chester only lives a short drive from us and via his agent it was known he wants to have a chance to step up to full time and its great that he has chosen us over a number of other Super League options.”

Simon Woolford said “Chester has a good physicality about him and he can see a path into our starting line up which is good if his pre-season goes well. 

"He’s relatively late into the game and hasn’t done the usual academy pathway but has a chance with us to build up his fitness and strength to Super League level over the off season which will be very important. 

"I’m not fixed on backrow or centre for him at this stage and his versatility is a great trait for any player to have. He shows a natural affinity to the game and clearly has developed to the stage where he was a pretty hot property in the market and someone who quite a few clubs wanted as like us they can see his potential.”

Chester Butler said “It feels like a dream come true to sign for Huddersfield. I've always wanted to go full time and properly test my abilities out, which I haven’t been able to do part time. Just looking forward to what I can do to my body and what I can learn to make me the best player possible.

"I can’t wait to play Super League with the Giants. It has been a dream of mine to play in the Super League and to get the opportunity to be able to do so is amazing

"Huddersfield is a club close to home and a team I’ve always watched since I was younger. Giants to me just felt right after speaking to Simon Woolford, I felt he could bring the best out of me as a person and player and was one of the main reason to wanting to join Huddersfield"