Giants release Brown early

Nathan Brown: departed Huddersfield early after Challenge Cup semi-final defeat

Huddersfield Giants have parted company with head coach Nathan Brown, 24 hours after their Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final defeat by Warrington.

The 38-year-old Brown was due to leave the Giants at the end of the season, his fourth with the West Yorkshire club, to take up a three-year contract with St Helens.

But Huddersfield have brought his departure forward after a slump that saw them win just one of their last eight matches and plummeted from the top of Super League to seventh.

"The move is in the best interest of all concerned and gives us the best opportunity to cement as high as position as possible in the run to the end of the season."
Richard Thewlis Quotes of the week

Brown's assistant Paul Anderson, who was due to become head coach in November, will take over immediately and prepare the side for Sunday's home game against Wakefield.

Under-performed

"Clearly all can see that we have not performed to a level that we are confident this squad is capable of and as a consequence we have agreed that Nathan will leave the club and Paul will move forward as head coach," said Huddersfield managing director Richard Thewlis told the club's official website.

"This was the intention we announced at the end of last season, however, events have led to the need to bring this change forward.

"It is a sad day when the coach leaves any club and I pay tribute to the enormous contribution that Nathan has made to the Giants in his three and a half years with us.

"We remain in a play-off position in Super league and believe that the move is in the best interest of all concerned and gives us the best opportunity to cement as high as position as possible in the run to the end of the season."

Sad

"I leave sorry that my time has ended earlier than probably anyone would have wished but I understand the clubs decision."
Nathan Brown Quotes of the week

The Australian tactician is sad his tenure at the Galpharm Stadium has ended early, although he understands the club's decision.

Brown commented: "I leave sorry that my time has ended earlier than probably anyone would have wished but I understand the clubs decision.

"I have had a great time at the club and will cherish some superb memories and have made some lifelong friends amongst the players, coaches, staff and supporters.

"In particular my support staff led by Paul Anderson have been wonderful and I wish them every success going forward especially Paul who I hope will get the group to a strong finish to the season."