Watson and Jones are reunited for Christmas!
GB STAR SIGNS FOR HUDDERSFIELD, AIMING FOR A WORLD CUP PLACE
HUDDERSFIELD Giants fans have been handed a Christmas present with the signing of Josh Jones.
The Great Britain forward has joined the Claret and Gold on a one-year deal from Hull for an undisclosed fee.
Powerhouse back-rower Jones made 94 appearances for St Helens and 114 for Salford before his season-long spell with the Airlie Birds.
The 27-year-old, who has also won three Great Britain caps, will arrive at the club for the start of pre-season training on January 4 to be reunited with Giants head coach Ian Watson, who he worked with at Salford.
“I know just how good of a player he is,” said Watson.
“What he’ll bring to the club is genuine quality, which has been key to all our moves and a winning mentality.
“At Salford, he increased the intensity of training and the way in which we trained, and changed the way we went about match situations.
“He’s extremely competitive, he offers attacking prowess, off-loads and a quick play-the-ball.
“He’s also one of the best defensive players in the competition, he really understands the game.”
And Watson revealed Jones’ desire to secure a place in the England World Cup squad for next year was pivotal to his decision to move to the John Smith’s Stadium.
“Josh wants to be an international loose forward, that’s where he wants to play going forward and he wants to be pushing for a place in Shaun Wane’s World Cup squad next year,” said Watson.
“He got his appetite for playing at loose in the Great Britain tour of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, and it’s a big motivating factor in him wanting to come over to the club.
“He knows that working with Greg Brown, he’ll be able to get into the right condition to compete for that position.”
Watson also took the time to pay testament to Giants chairman Ken Davy, who was instrumental in the move.
“I’d like to thank Ken Davy for helping make this addition possible,” he added. “Ken’s supported this club over the years immensely, and he’s backing us now to bring in quality above quantity in the squad.
“He’s helping us bring in genuine winners like Josh, who’s played in two Grand Finals and has a wealth of experience.”