Gaskell ready for start after signing new deal
LEE Gaskell is the latest Huddersfield Giants player to sign an extension to his contract.
Last season’s Players’ Player of the Year, Supporters’ Player of the Year and winner of the Harold Wagstaff Trophy, given to the most valuable player, has added a year to his deal, keeping him at the club for the 2021 season.
Since arriving in 2017, Gaskell has made 80 appearances for the Claret and Gold, scoring 22 times and kicking 31 goals and has established himself as a key player for the side under the tutelage of Simon Woolford.
Sam Hewitt, Jon-Luke Kirby, the Senior brothers, Jacob Wardle and Oliver Russell have all extended their deals during the break in the season for the coronavirus pandemic.
Giants are planning to return to training with their first game of the restart against Leeds Rhinos on August 2.
And Gaskell - who with the rest of the squad has been on furlough during lockdown - says he now can’t wait to get back into action.
And he hopes the Giants can continue where they left off having won four of their first five Super League matches before the break in the season.
“Our aim before we broke up was always the play-offs, we started the season really good. We know it’s been a long time since we’ve trained or played with each other but, hopefully, once we return we can keep that form going,” said the 29-yearold.
“It’s obviously been a difficult time for everyone during this pandemic, so to get a deal sorted before we go back to training was the main focus so I could fully concentrate on having a successful season when we eventually return.
“It’s been pretty tough to be fair with not having any access to anything. I managed to get hold of some equipment to tick over with and I’ve also been going for runs trying to keep my fitness up.
“I think everyone’s excited to be back playing, it’s been a long time now sat at home not really knowing what’s going on, but I think with the latest news of the return it’s given everyone something to look forward to and getting back into routine.
“I think the biggest difference in the squad this year is the players believe we can compete with any other team in the league and I think it’s shown in the first five rounds.
“But the biggest part now is coming back and hitting the ground running.
“We all know it’s going to be tough, but if we have the right attitude there’s no reason why we can’t push for that top four.”