THE chance to gain regular Super League action was at the heart of Greg Eden’s move to Hull KR.
Although the Giants utility back made 27 first-team appearances last season following his move from Castleford Tigers, it was clear his chances in 2013 would be limited under new head coach Paul Anderson.
He is now regarded as third-choice full-back behind Scott Grix and Aaron Murphy, who would also be expected to get the nod ahead of him on the wing as cover for Jermaine McGillvary and Luke George.
Huddersfield are now well served on the wing with Matty Dawson and new signing Ben Blackmore, who has joined from Castleford.
But at Hull KR, there’s every chance he could become their first-choice following Shannon McDonnell’s move to Hull FC and teenager Louis Sheriff headed to live in Australia.
On top of that, the Robins were also looking for half-back cover after Blake Green’s switch to Wigan and could look to given Eden a run at No6.
Yet whatever role he plays, the 22-year-old – he celebrated his birthday yesterday – is looking forward to continuing to develop at New Craven Park.
“It was a pretty big decision for me to leave Huddersfield as I thought I was settled there for the next couple of years,” said Eden, pictured.
“Everything happened quickly though and now that it’s all been done I’m delighted to be a Hull KR player.
“To know that the club came along and really wanted me on board is a great feeling and I’m looking forward to repaying the faith that Craig has shown in me.”
Eden burst onto the scene last season – which has added significantly to his worth and landed the Giants a highly-satisfactory undisclosed transfer fee – and was hailed by former Giants coach Nathan Brown as the ‘New Billy Slater’, the world’s best full-back.
But when Anderson took over towards the end of last season, his chances became more limited.
And with the new John Smith’s Stadium chief adopting a new playing system for Super League XVIII which won’t have a key role for Eden, the Giants have cashed-on on their asset.
