Huddersfield snap up Akuila Uate
Huddersfield have completed the signing of Fiji international Akuila Uate from Manly Sea Eagles on a three-year deal.
The 31-year-old Uate has been a prolific scorer in the National Rugby League, with 129 tries in 200 appearances, and after previously representing Australia was in the Fiji team that reached the World Cup semi-finals last November.
Uate, who spent nine seasons with Newcastle Knights before moving to Manly two years ago, played for his country at centre but is expected to play on the wing for the Giants, who will be able to boast one of the most potent strike forces in Super League in 2019 with England's Jermaine McGillvary on the other flank.
Huddersfield coach Simon Woolford began tracking Uate shortly after arriving at the club in May and is delighted to finally get his man.
"Akuila is a player with true class and pedigree, having scored over 100 NRL tries and playing at the highest level internationally as well as in State of Origin, so we're really excited to add him to our ranks for 2019," Woolford said.
"Aku will really strengthen our side as well as help to develop the number of talented young wingers at the club, particularly Innes and Louis Senior and I feel it's a real statement signing from the club which shows our ambitions and where we want to be.
"In Akuila Uate and Jermaine McGillvary, we have two world-class, outstanding wingers who are capable of scoring some magnificent tries and making some big metres during games."
Uate said: "I am looking forward to joining the club, meeting the fans and being a part of a great culture."
Uate is the Giants' second signing from the NRL following their acquisition of Canterbury Bulldogs half-back Matt Frawley.
Huddersfield managing director Richard Thewlis said: "From the word go Aku was Simon's number one priority strike signing for 2019 and it was his relationship with him that went a long way to ensuring he will become a Giant.
"He certainly has all the attributes to become a real fans favourite in the claret and gold.
"There is an awful lot of work going on quietly here away from the spotlight in terms of both the playing and support staff which we are working through in timely fashion to give Simon what he wants ahead of 2019."
Related rugby league links
MOST READ
