HUDDERSFIELD Giants have landed star centre Stuart Donlan on a season's loan from Halifax.

The talented 25-year-old, who represented Lancashire in the Origin Series last year, is expected to form the Giants' first-choice centre partnership with Julian Bailey in Super League IX.

The deal is similar to Chris Thorman's with Huddersfield in the NFP after signing a two-year-deal with London.

Donlan has been a long-time target of the Giants, and they are delighted to have acquired his services, even though he could be rejoining Halifax if the Calderdale club win immediate promotion back into Super League.

"We have signed Stuart after consulting our new coach Jon Sharp, who is a big fan of his," said Giants chief executive Ralph Rimmer, whose club continue to be linked with fellow Fax man Sean Penkywicz.

"And this loan deal seemed the best way to do it, given that it relieves Halifax of the financial pressures of paying his salary outside Super League, and allows us to sign a strike centre.

"Stuart is very strong and skilful, and has attracted a lot of interest from other Super League clubs.

"He has a great attitude and he'll bring a lot to our club. In a good side he will be an outstanding centre."

Donlan started his career at Leigh and signed for Halifax in 2000 where he made 72 appearances and scored 24 tries.

He has, however, been sidelined for the last two months after undergoing surgey on a thumb injury.

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