JAMAHL LOLESI has left the Huddersfield Giants after five years.
The 31-year-old assistant coach had been due to go at the end of the season but is to remain on leave with his wife and new child.
Lolesi, a former New Zealand international, was a popular addition from the NRL and played 95 games in claret and gold, scoring 33 tries before injury forced him into coaching.
“It’s typically supportive of the club that they will allow me to spend more time with my newly-born child and wife before my time was due to officially end and I start the next chapter of my career,” said Lolesi.
“I was welcomed here and treated superbly by the club, staff, players and supporters and it’s true that I have settled in the area that I now call home.
“I wish Paul Anderson and all the lads every possible success going forward – and I will be in the stands cheering them on whenever possible.”
Giants managing director Richard Thewlis said a “very amicable settlement” had been reached and Lolesi would play in the Giants Twenty20 cricket match at Lascelles Hall a week on Sunday.
“Jamahl said to us earlier in the year his career was going to move on at the end of this season and we accepted that despite our willingness to retain him in the coaching department had he so wished.
“With the arrival of Kieron Purtill, we have decided to allow Jamahl to remain on leave with his new family.
“There is no question he is welcome back here whenever he wishes and the cricket match will be a chance for him to say goodbye to the fans.
“There is little doubt in my mind that few overseas players have made the impact in the community that Jamahl has, and we wish him well in the next stage of his career.”
