Huddersfield Giants have sacked head coach Luke Robinson with immediate effect, with the club languishing at the bottom of the Super League table.
His departure comes in the wake of their 26-14 defeat to Bradford Bulls, which leaves them as the sole club without a win this season in the top flight.
Robinson was appointed as Giants boss partway through the 2024 season, initially on an interim basis following the departure of Ian Watson, but was later announced as the permanent head coach.
Huddersfield Giants sack Luke Robinson as call for ‘expressions of interest’ made
In his first full season in charge, which was plagued with injuries, Huddersfield finished 10th in the Super League table with just seven wins across the season, while they were also dumped out of the Challenge Cup by Wakefield Trinity in the fourth round.
This season has taken a familar turn, too, with as many as 13 senior players on the sidelines through injury. That has again left the Giants struggling on the pitch, with them winning just once in all competitions this year, which came against Hunslet in the Challenge Cup. Huddersfield have also since been knocked out of the competition by reigning champions Hull KR, following 52-12 thrashing last week.
In a statement, the Giants said: “Huddersfield Giants have today terminated the contract of Head Coach Luke Robinson and seek immediate expressions of interest in the position going forward to be sent to Director of Rugby Andy Kelly before Saturday 28th March.”
“In the interim period Andy Kelly will take charge of all first team matters.”
His departure comes following an honest admission on his future in the wake of the defeat to Bradford Bulls, in which he said it was out of his control.
“When you get into the game, you understand,” he said.
“I’ve been in the game for a very long time and I understand it. It’s not new to me. I’ve been around a long time and I know how rugby league works.
“There’s always that pressure on you as a coach, it’s always going to be there or thereabouts. Whether you’ve got injuries or a depleted squad sometimes, that’s not enough really. Fingers crossed it isn’t, because I feel I can still do a good job and this team, when everyone comes back, can do a really good job. But that’s out of my hands.”
“I can’t tell you what they think and what’s in their minds.
“Whenever I can, I’ll put my all into this job and I think everyone can see the situation we’ve been in. You’d have to be daft not to understand why we are in this position. But it’s out of my hands.”
Huddersfield return to action next weekend against Wigan Warriors, before facing York Knights, Leeds Rhinos and Leigh Leopards in April.
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