Huddersfield snap up Kopczak

Craig Kopczak has joined Huddersfield Giants
25 October 2012

Huddersfield have announced the signing of Wales captain Craig Kopczak, who quit Bradford in controversial circumstances just before the end of the 2012 season.

The 25-year-old prop forward, who terminated his contract with the Bulls following the takeover by Bradford restaurant owner Omar Khan, has signed a three-year deal with the Giants.

The Rugby Football League held an investigation into Kopczak's conduct following complaints by Bradford and it is thought Huddersfield have paid compensation to the Bulls for the 6ft 4in, 17st forward.

Giants head coach Paul Anderson said: "He is a very big strong man and for a player of his age to have already made over 120 Super league appearances and plenty of internationals shows that he has always performed well for his teams in the past.

"He is a player I have watched closely for a number of years and he has gone from a promising youngster to a top line performer and the sort of no-nonsense go-forward character that I want to see in our forward line next year."

Kopczak, who will lead Wales against England in Wrexham on Saturday, says he is hoping to put the controversy that followed his departure from Bradford behind him.

He said: "Huddersfield have been top-four material for the past few years and the chance to work with Paul Anderson for me as a fellow prop was too good to miss out on.

"I have been fed up reading many of the comments attributed to my decision to simply look after my family's best interest and we are all happy that this is now behind us and we can move forward in a Giants shirt next season.

"I went through the squad yesterday with my manager and it's going to be an exciting year for the Giants with lots of new signings in there and definitely lots of size."

Kopczack becomes Huddersfield's third front-row recruit for 2013 following the signing of Ukuma Ta'ai from New Zealand Warriors and Wigan's former Great Britain international Stuart Fielden.

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