RYAN McNEELY is back at the Giants!
The former Academy player has returned to his hometown club to join Mick Sykes as a community rugby coach with the Super League club.
It's something the 31-year-old should adapt to with ease.
During his time as a player, he gained experience on the community coaching front and was involved in junior coaching at Moldgreen.
He also coached Emley Moor at open-age level and now has a full compliment of coaching badges.
But there's far more to McNeely than that.
Having gained a sports science degree at Leeds Metropolitan University, he went on to work as a conditioner operating at 20 different football clubs, including Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers from the Premiership.
He has also worked as a personal trainer and spent the last two years running the gym at the Holiday Inn at Brighouse.
But now he is back doing a job that is closest to his heart.
"Getting into the development side of rugby league is always something I've wanted to do," said the former Greenhead College pupil.
"I loved my time playing in the Academy at the Giants and I see this as a way of putting something back into the sport.
"My career was cutshort by knee problems just when I was qualifying for my degree in 1998, but I was desperate to remain as actively involved in sport as I could.
"I've had some fantastic jobs and worked with some great people.
"But now I feel the time is right for me to get back into rugby league.
"This is a big challenge, but I'm really excited about it and I'm sure my background will stand me in good stead.
"Hopefully, I can play my part in helping to further raise the profile of the Giants and get more youngsters actively involved in rugby league.
"It's a brilliant opportunity."
And pictured is Ryan McNeely (left) being welcomed to the club by Mick Sykes
