Huddersfield Giants sign teenage centre Jamie Love
Last updated on .From the section Rugby League
Huddersfield Giants have signed former Gateshead Thunder utility player Jamie Love to their academy and reserve grade squad on a part-time contract.
The 18-year-old, who can play centre or second row, will combine rugby participation with a sports science degree at Leeds Carnegie University.
"He has got many attributes as a player to do extremely well," Giants head of youth performance Peter Riding said.
"I watched a few DVDs of Jamie in action and I liked what I saw."
He continued: "I think it's a great signing for the club.
"If we can educate him in different areas of the game I'm convinced we will have a good player on our hands.
"From Jamie's side, if he buys into that and does all the right things then he will see the benefit."
Durham-born Love, who scored two tries in five games for Thunder last season following his debut in the Northern Rail Cup against Batley, joins fellow North East natives Crawford Matthews [Hull FC] and Sinclair Matthews [Leeds Rhinos] in moving up to Super League level.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for me," Love said.
"To sign with a top Super League club is a fantastic feeling for me and I can't wait to get properly started.
"I played in the Academy game against the New South Wales side and it was a brilliant experience for me, the surface was great and the atmosphere was something I enjoyed.
"I've met all the clubs younger players and they are a really good bunch so I'm looking forward to playing and training alongside them.
"Hopefully, I can work hard here and possibly earn myself a full-time contract after I've finished my Sports Science degree at University."
