NATHAN Brown is the new head coach of Huddersfield Giants.
The 34-year-old Australian will take over next season after signing a three-year Super League deal.
He will arrive from top Australian NRL club St George Dragons where he has been in charge since October 2002.
When he took over from Andrew Farrar at the age of 29 he became the youngest head coach in the game’s history.
Although Brown’s Dragons are currently fifth in the Australian NRL Premiership table and one of the favourites to reach this season’s Grand Final, the club announced in April that six-times Premiership-winning Brisbane Broncos coach and former Kangaroos chief Wayne Bennett would be taking over next season.
That obviously prompted the former St George hooker to look for a new post.
And he believes the role of head coach of the Giants is the perfect opening.
“This is a very exciting opportunity and I can’t wait to get started,” said Brown, who played in three Australian Grand Finals but was forced to retire in 2001 at the age of 27 due to an unrelated congenital problem with his spinal chord.
“I’ve obviously got some unfinished business with St George between now and the end of the season.
“But I intend to spend every spare minute watching the Giants on video and liaising with (caretaker coaches) Keiron Purtill and Paul Anderson on a regular basis.
“They seem to be doing a great job, and I know that when I come over – probably around late October – everything at the club will be in very good order.
“Before taking the decision to come, I obviously had a look at the squad closely and there’s a pretty good blend of youth and experience.
“But what really sold the club to me was the ambition and enthusiasm of (chairman) Ken Davy and (managing director) Richard Thewlis.
“They made it clear to me how determined they are to see the club progress, and I’m excited about the challenge of being a part of that process.
“At this stage, I’m not prepared to make any bold predictions about what we can achieve over the next three years.
“My big goal initially will be help improve each player individually. That will improve the team collectively, and we’ll just take it from there.
“But there’s no doubt this club has incredible potential and the chance to help fulfil it is one that already excites me tremendously.”
