Larne Patrick earns new two-year deal with Giants

Feb 3 2010 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

RISING star Larne Patrick will start the new Super League XV season on the back of securing a new two-year contract extension which will keep him with the Giants until the end of 2012.

The 21-year-old utility forward moved to the Galpharm at the start of last season and by the end of the year had become a regular in the senior set-up.

The England Academy ace is in the frame to make his 2010 debut against former club Bradford at the Galpharm Stadium on Friday (8.00), although the fact prop Keith Mason has recovered from a hernia operation and calf strain that prevented him from playing in last week’s 28-10 trial triumph at Castleford Tigers could cost him a place.

But with the way Patrick’s career is developing, head coach Nathan Brown believes the youngster will become one of his squad’s most consistent performers.

“Giving Larne this deal is fully deserved,” said Brown, who is delighted with the way his side is shaping up for Friday’s big West Yorkshire derby opener against former Giants captain Steve McNamara’s men.

“He’s a player who has a very bright future, not just at the club but in the English Super League, and we’re delighted he’s pledged himself to us. He is without doubt someone who will play an big part in helping this club continue to go forward.