Joe returns to Giants in Tigers swap deal COUNTDOWN TO THE SEASON

HUDDERSFIELD Giants have completed a swap deal which sees Joe Wardle head back to the John Smith’s Stadium and Jordan Rankin joining Castelford.

Initially, the swap will be a loan between both parties, but with interest from all sides to make this a permanent move sooner rather than later.

Wardle, the back-row forward and centre, previously spent five years at the Giants from 2011 and returns to the club following spells at Newcastle Knights and the Tigers.

Huddersfield Giants CEO Richard Thewlis said: “The move came about very quickly within the last 24 hours and we’ll be delighted to bring Joe back.

“He will fly back from camp over the weekend and we’ll see him for training Monday morning with the squad.

“Simon (Woolford) was looking for back row and centre competition and Joe clearly brings this to us and of course has the chance to play in Super League alongside his brother.”

Huddersfield, meanwhile, have appointed Kiwi Willie Poching, 45, as one of their assistant coaches to Woolford ahead of the start of the new Super League season.