Huddersfield have been stunned by Ivan Cleary's decision to retire from the game and take up the offer of a coaching job in Australia.

The full-back signed a one-year playing deal in the summer and was set to end his career with the West Yorkshire side, who have returned to the Super League.

However, Cleary has now agreed to become assistant coach of the NRL champions, Sydney City Roosters.

A Giants spokesman said: "This is a devastating blow to our club and one which came out of the blue.

"We fully expected Ivan and his family to land in the UK in early January and had championed him as being a real cornerstone signing as we head back into the Super League."

The club have no immediate targets in mind to replace Cleary but will be announcing the signing of an overseas forward on Tuesday.

The spokesman added: "This is merely coincidence and is in no way linked to the Cleary situation.

"This lad is not Ivan's replacement - in an ideal world he'd be lining up alongside him."