Giants get Thorman

Chris Thorman, one of only two British players in Australia's National Rugby League, is to resume his Super League career with Huddersfield next season.

Chris Thorman, one of only two British players in Australia's National Rugby League, is to resume his Super League career with Huddersfield next season.

The 23-year-old half-back, who played for the London Broncos and England A last year, has spent this season with Parramatta, but is now to return to his first professional club.

"I am enjoying it at Parramatta, but I felt it was time for me to pursue my Super League ambitions," said the Geordie.

The Huddersfield coach, Jon Sharp, said that Thorman would return to Britain as an improved player. "I worked with Chris in 2001 and regard him as one of the best young half-backs in the game," he said. "His year at Parramatta will have further developed his game.''

Thorman is the Giants' third major signing for 2005, following the Parramatta hooker Brad Drew, and the Brisbane centre Michael De Vere. On the debit side, their current centre Julian Bailey has announced he is returning to Australia next year.

Widnes have reduced the applicants for their vacant coaching position to a short list of four and hope to make an appointment next week. The New Zealand Test coach, Daniel Anderson, is no longer thought to be in contention.