Giants snap up Whitehaven's Gregg

Huddersfield Giants have signed Whitehaven scrum-half Gregg McNally on a three-year deal.

The 17-year-old England academy star, scorer of two televised hat-tricks last season, will start next season back on loan at the National League One side.

Giants managing director Richard Thewlis said: "Our move for a current England academy international like Gregg is an investment for the future.

"He's an outstanding talent and we are delighted he has chosen to come here."

"At a time when development of players is such a hot topic we are delighted to give him an opportunity with ourselves," Thewlis added.

"He will train full-time with us when his studies permit and continue to play in National League One with his hometown club for the immediate future."

Head coach Nathan Brown has a fabulous reputation and I can't wait to get started with them

New Huddersfield Giants signing Gregg McNally

Gregg, who has been with Whitehaven since he was 12, said: "I am delighted to get this opportunity as it gives me the best of both worlds.

"I can continue to play with my hometown club who have been so supportive towards me but yet at the same time I have the full-time deal ready for me when I have completed college.

"I viewed the Giants facilities and met their key people and was very impressed with the whole set-up.

"The head coach Nathan Brown has a fabulous reputation and I can't wait to get started with them."

McNally's switch to Super League came as no surprise to Whitehaven coach Ged Stokes, who admitted there had been interest from several top flight clubs after September's play-off game at Salford.

And the Kiwi coach is adamant that the clause allowing McNally to continue to figure at the Recreation Ground is best for both player and club.

"For us to be included in the deal is tremendous, for Gregg to get what he wants by being in a Super League environment is fantastic, and for us to have him for next year is fantastic," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"It's a win-win situation as far as I am concerned."