Wednesday 21st July 10

Huddersfield Giants have signed former Australia international Luke O’Donnell from North Queensland Cowboys on a four-year deal from next season.

The 29-year-old forward, who is thought to be most suspended player in NRL history, is set to form a potentially explosive second-row partnership at the Giants with New Zealand international David Fa’alogo.

O’Donnell, who has won 10 caps and was in the Kangaroos’ train-on squad for the 2008 World Cup, has just completed a three-week ban for a spear tackle that sparked a brawl in the second State of Origin clash in Sydney last month.

“Coming to England is something I’ve thought about for a while but, until now, it’s not really been an option,” he said.

“But, at 29, I know it’s the right time to move because I’ve still got a lot to offer.

“This Huddersfield side looks like it’s got a lot to offer, too, and is not short of quality players. I’m really looking forward to playing alongside David Fa’alogo.

“We’ve been involved in some great games against each other at Test level and I think we can make a good team.

“Huddersfield have done well with Nathan Brown but we can do even better next season. It’s very exciting.”

Since 2000, the former Wests Tigers forward, who was the Cowboys’ player of the year in 2009, has been suspended 10 times for a total of 29 weeks.

Brown is excited about the prospect of working with a player he has admired for years.

“Luke O’Donnell is simply a top-draw player,” he said. “He has played for his country and state with great commitment and quality for many years and we are getting a player at Huddersfield that can make a huge difference to our team.

“We are very excited about the impact he will have for us and the improvements he will bring to our side will help us a lot.

“He’s big, strong and tough and has great experience in the big-game environment that we are challenging ourselves to consistently be involved in.”