Huddersfield sign half-back Wood

Woods came through the Wakefield Wildcats scholarship programme

Huddersfield Giants have continued their preparations for the 2010 season by signing half-back Kyle Wood.

The 20-year-old has signed a three-year deal at the Super League Club of the Year after an impressive season with Championship side Sheffield Eagles.

Wood told the club website: "I'm really excited. As soon as I heard of the interest I wanted to come here.

"I can't wait to get started, I want to work hard here and push for a first team place."

Wood added: "I've spoken to Nathan Brown and he seems like a top bloke as well as obviously being a good coach. I've seen how the young players at the club have developed under him and I'm looking forward to him working with me."

Giants chief executive Richard Thewlis said: "Kyle has had a super season in the Championship and we believe that with the benefit of full-time training and working with Nathan Brown and his staff he can go on to significantly improve his game.

We consistently watch the lower leagues and have always looked to give an opportunity to players who have excelled and shown promise

Richard Thewlis

"He knows he faces some real competition here and that he can learn from the likes of Drew, Robinson, Brown and Grix, but the length of deal shows our belief in him and I am sure that our supporters will all enjoy watching his progress in the claret and gold shirt."

Wood's arrival is another example of Huddersfield scouring the lower leagues for talent - a strategy Thewlis stresses is key to the club's future.

"We consistently watch the lower leagues and have always looked to give an opportunity to players who have excelled and shown promise," he said.

"Last season for example Shaun Lunt came to the fore having moved from Workington and before that it was Danny Kirmond who followed Andy Raleigh into the first team having come from the lower leagues.

"There are players that bypass the academy systems at Super League clubs and as our sport is a relatively late maturation game for excellence then it's only right to keep scouting around and see what we can unearth."