GREG BROWN has taken over as Huddersfield Giants’ new head conditioner.

The 32-year-old, left, who hails from the town, takes over from Australian Paul Watson, who is set to take on a similar role at fellow Super League club Harlequins.

Former Underbank and Moldgreen player Brown, who studied physiotherapy and sports conditioning at the University of Huddersfield, will have overall control of the strength, speed, fitness and durability work of the players in the senior squad.

The 32-year-old has spent six seasons with the club learning his trade throughout all the disciplines of conditioning, with his work in the rehabilitation gym having earned him widespread praise.

But he has now taken the planned step up to the role he has always wanted.

The new move was confirmed by Giants managing director Richard Thewlis who explained: “Greg has known for a long time that he wanted to be the head conditioner at this club and we have provided a great pathway for him to achieve this.

“He would be the first to pay tribute to all the staff who have helped him along the way, in particular Nathan Brown, Paul Watson and (former head conditioner) Mark Andrews.

“They all earmarked Greg as someone who we should keep investing in and retain in our set-up to ultimately step up to the top job.

“We prepared for this last year by taking Matt Green into the assistant rehabilitation role, which he will now step up to be full-time to replace Greg who, of course, replaces Paul Watson.”

Added Brown: “I would like to thank the Giants and Nathan Brown for the opportunity to progress with a club that are clearly on the verge of honours.

“The prospect of increasing my involvement and working closer with Nathan Brown and Paul Anderson is one I’m very excited about.

“I have inherited a committed and hard-working group of athletes, and credit should be given to the previous conditioners Mark Andrews and Paul Watson, not only for their efforts with the boys but also for the help and assistance they gave me.

“I’d also like to acknowledge Jon Sharp for initially giving me a chance at the club.

“I have enjoyed my time as the club’s rehabilitation conditioner, but I’m ready for the challenge of my new role.

“I know I leave the rehab side of things in great hands as Matt Green did an excellent job helping out last year and completed his apprenticeship.

“I will continue to be there alongside (physios) Nathan Mill and Jess Marshall to give any help I can.

“Unfortunately, Matt has quite a list of injured players at the moment, but we expect that to soon turn around and numbers to start returning back into our training squad.”

Brown has been at the centre of the pre-season work this week, with the players now back to work.