CHRIS THORMAN is coming back to Huddersfield!

The 23-year-old Parramatta half-back, pictured, will return for the start of the 2005 season on a two-year contract, ending weeks of speculation linking him with a McAlpine move.

Thorman's last game for the Giants was a man-of-the-match performance in the NFP Grand Final victory over Leigh in 2002 which helped earn the club a place back in Super League.

He spent last season at London Broncos, helping them claim a place in the top six play-offs.

His efforts also earned him a place in the England A team and then the Great Britain train-on squad after a man-of-the-match performance for Yorkshire against Lancashire in the County of Origin clash.

This season he has been playing for top Australian club Parramatta and has further enhanced his reputation with some solid NRL performances.

But when Giants head coach Jon Sharp began to show a strong interest in bringing him back to the McAlpine, a deal for the Newcastle-born player was quickly struck.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have Chris back on board," said Sharp.

"I worked with him in 2001 and regard him as one of the best young half-backs in the game.

"His year at Parramatta will have further developed his game and I'm expecting him to have a big impact on the Giants and Super League X.

"Chris is a very intelligent player who I am really looking forward to working with.

"He knows he is coming back to a progressive and succesful club."