NEW Giants recruit Brad Drew will fulfil a liftetime's ambition when he plays for Huddersfield Giants in Super League next season.
The 28-year-old Canberra Raiders hooker or half-back, pictured, has dreamed of playing in England all his life.
And that dream was strenghthened significantly when he played for Penrith Panthers at Bradford Bulls, St Helens and Warrington in the World Club Challenge of 1997.
That gave him a real taste for the English game, and he knew it would only be a matter of time before he was signing for a club in the northern hemisphere.
He didn't know with which club or at what stage in his career.
But now it has been confirmed.
In 2005, Brad Drew will be playing in England for Huddersfield Giants.
His dream is now about to become a reality, and he couldn't be happier.
"I know this is a fantastic opportunity," said Drew, who has a two-year contract.
"I've made no secret over in Australia that I've wanted to play in England at some stage, and the time is now.
"To be honest, it's probably come one year earlier than I expected.
"I had hoped to see out the final year of my three-year contract with the Raiders.
"But the alarm bells starting ringing when I heard about Super League's intention to change the rules over the number of imported players a club could have on their books.
"It's soon going to be reduced from five to three, so it made sense to try and get in a season earlier and take the opportunity while it's there.
"And the Raiders have been fantastic over it.
"They obviously knew how keen I was to play in England, and they didn't want to stand in my way when the Huddersfield offer came in.
"I'm very grateful that they have agreed to my release a year early so I can pursue my dream.
"This just sums up what a great club Canberra is, and I'm looking forward to playing my best footy and contributing what I can to the team for the rest of the season."
Drew admits he is also fortunate that his wife, Justine, is just as keen on the idea of coming to England.
She spent a year living in Wales around a decade ago, and despite the couple having two young boys - Harry (four) and Jed (nine months) - had no hesitation in agreeing to the move.
"Justine absolutely loved it in Wales and, like me, can't wait to get back to the UK," he added.
"Obviously, if she had been reluctant I would have been made to re-think my options.
"But she has been very supportive, and we both feel this move is the best for my career and is going to benefit my family most."
