EORL CRABTREE has today ended months of speculation by signing a three-year contract extension.
The deal will keep the 24-year-old at the Giants until 2010 and will culminate in a testimonial.
The England forward had been linked to a host of Super League clubs, including Wigan, Warrington and Bradford.
But the former Underbank and Huddersfield YMCA junior made it clear he had no intention of going anywhere.
"I love this club, so why would I want to leave?" said the delighted 6ft 5in, 18st forward.
"I'm flattered when I'm linked with other clubs, but that's as far as it goes.
"This is my seventh season at the Giants, and this is the best it's ever been.
"I know it's going to get even bigger and better here in the years ahead, and I'm absolutely delighted I'm going to be a part of it. The camaraderie is brilliant.
"I've always been proud to play for my hometown club, and I'm proud of what the Giants are achieving in Super League right now.
"That certainly made my decision to stay so much easier.
"These contract negotiations have taken a little longer to get sorted than usual, because I wanted to make sure it took in a testimonial season.
"And I also wanted a deal that I felt I deserved and that would be right for the club.
"We've managed to do that, and I couldn't be happier."
Now Crabtree has sorted out his future, he believes he will be able to offer even more to the Giants and can focus on fulfilling his dream of playing for Great Britain.
"Signing a new deal is a massive weight off my shoulders," he said.
"That can only help me give more to the Giants and go on to achieve some of my personal goals in the game."
The new deal has obviously delighted Giants officials, who admitted keeping hold of Crabtree was a main priority.
"I am sure Eorl's contract extension will be viewed positively by everyone at the club," said managing director Richard Thewlis.
"There has been some wildly inaccurate reporting of his situation which can now be clarified with the announcement of this new deal.
"Throughout the negotiation process Eorl has conducted himself in an exemplary manner and made it perfectly clear he was happy at Huddersfield and wanted to stay here and be part of the exciting team we have assembled.
"The rumours circulating in some quarters have not distracted him from his job, nor did they us, as we have absolute confidence in Eorl and look forward to many more years of watching him in a claret and gold shirt.
"He is a Huddersfield lad through and through and shares my view that we are on the verge of a very special time here at the Giants."
