Ukuma Tai'ai has signed a one-year contract extension to remain at Huddersfield Giants until the end of the 2016 Super League campaign.
The news comes less than a day after the 27-year-old back-row forward helped Huddersfield destroy Warrington Wolves 48-10 at the John Smith’s Stadium to keep the club’s hopes alive of reaching a first Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.
And in another positive move for the club, it’s been confirmed Larne Patrick will be returning to Huddersfield after his season-long loan spell at Wigan.
While the Patrick move had been expected, especially after it was announced fellow back-row forward Jack Hughes would be joining Warrington, there were fears Ta’ai’s three-year stay could be about to end, with moves to rival Super League clubs or rugby union having been rumoured.
Ta’ai’s current blockbusting form had added to that speculation, with head coach Paul Anderson delighted to have kept hold of the former New Zealand Warrior for at least another season.
“Ukuma is now showing the form we all felt he had in him before he signed with us,” said Anderson.
“He had a great pre-season and is reaping the rewards of being fully fit and enjoying regular gametime.
“He gives his coach (me) options either side of the ruck or straight down the middle, such is his size and strength, and his retention has been viewed very positively by our group.
“He’ll join Larne Patrick, Ollie Roberts, Liam Johnson and few other younger lads in challenging next year for the berth that Jack Hughes has nailed down for himself this year.
“There’s no doubt that big, powerful mobile men who are handy on their feet are a scarce commodity in the UK game and I think that Ukuma can go on to even bigger and better things here within an environment he is familiar and comfortable with.”
And Ta’ai is only too pleased to be staying put.
“I’m really happy as a Giant and have some great friends here at the club,” said the Tongan international, who has played 78 Giants games and scored 23 tries.
“My wife is due to give birth soon to our third child and I am looking forward to all the family being back here in Huddersfield for the start of next season.
“We have a lot to do this year and I am happy that my form is good and can do my bit to help the boys to the end of the season.
“Next year we’re bringing in Sam Rapira, who’s another good friend, and I think will be awesome for us, so we can only get better with the younger lads pushing us, too.”
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