HIGHLY-RATED teenager Sam Barlow has been handed a two-year full-time Giants' contract.

The 18-year-old England Academy back-rower has been added to coach Jon Sharp's Super League squad after impressing during a six-week trial.

He arrives from Halifax, with Bradford, Warrington and Salford having all shown a keen interest to secure his services.

But Barlow, who had been involved in a battle with Halifax to gain free-agent status in order to pursue a Super League career, has opted to join Huddersfield.

It's a move that has delighted head coach Jon Sharp, who believes Barlow could have a big future in the game.

"Sam is a player with an immense amount of talent and I'm delighted we have been able to offer him something," admitted Sharp.

"He has tremendous physicality and athleticism for one so young, and he certainly has plenty of ambition and confidence.

"In the time he's been here he has fitted in well and he has impressed me with his performances in the Academy."

Although Barlow is now in the Giants' Super League squad, he will not be in contention for Sunday's trip to Leeds.

Sharp has no shortage of forwards at his disposal, with winger Martin Aspinwall the only senior player unavailable following groin surgery.

The injury picture is also starting to look brighter for the Rhinos.

Leeds had feared they could be without Great Britain internationals Ryan Bailey and Danny McGuire for the weekend clash.

Both players were forced off during the 30-22 defeat at Catalans Dragons on Saturday and have received treatment after returning to the UK.

McGuire had a scan on a hand injury which has shown an undisplaced finger fracture.

Medical staff will continue to monitor the stand-off this week but are confident the injury should only rule him out for a week and possibly less depending on how treatment goes.

And prop Bailey suffered a chest injury, but the Rhinos are confident of having him back available for Sunday's game.