JON SHARP was today named as the next head coach of Huddersfield Giants.

The St Helens assistant coach will take over from the departing Tony Smith at the end of the season.

Sharp has been handed a three-year contract and re-joins the club he served as assistant to Smith in the 2001 season.

Since then, the former Batley Bulldogs chief has been No2 to Ian Millward at Super League champions St Helens, who were keen to extend Sharp's current contract beyond next year.

But the 36-year-old has turned down the chance to remain at Knowsley Road in favour of taking up the challenge of leading the Giants in Super League IX.

Sharp acknowledges that Smith will be a hard act to follow, but is relishing the chance to take full control of a Super League club for the first time.

"I've had to work hard over the years as assistant at Huddersfield, St Helens and Wakefield," said Sharp.

"It's been a case of being patient and waiting for the right opportunity to come along.

"I believe taking over at the Giants is the right opportunity.

"St Helens were very keen to extend my contract beyond next year and that was tempting because I've had a great couple of years there.

"But there's no way I was going to miss out on an opening like this.

"The year I had as assistant coach at Huddersfield two years ago was one of the best I've had and that helped make up my mind to come back.

"I know the place, I know it's good points and I know it's bad points. I can't think of a better place to begin my career as a Super League head coach.

"When you take up a position you need to know you'll be working with people you can trust, and I know that's the case at Huddersfield.

"And I'm very excited about working with the squad Tony has put together.

"The magnificent results the Giants have achieved this season are the culmination of three years hard work under Tony.

"I'm looking forward to continuing this progression and development."

Giants chief executive Ralph Rimmer has revealed Sharp was the automatic choice.

"We know all about Jon from his time here two years ago, and there's no doubt he's an outstanding rugby league coach," said Rimmer. "He was the choice of everyone here."

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