New Huddersfield Giants signing, Asher O’Donnell, has spoken for the first time since joining the club, following his move from Brisbane Tigers in the Queensland Cup.
The brother of former Leigh Leopards star, Kai O’Donnell, Asher joins on a two-year-deal and if he has half the impact his older sibling did, he will be one to watch in Super League next year.
The 22-year-old back-rower is a welcome addition to the Giants squad, and is one of four signings the club has made, alongside Wakefield’s Mathieu Cozza, the permanent addition of Niall Evalds and Manly’s Chris Patolo.
Having landed in the UK earlier this week, he will begin his pre-season preparations slightly later than his teammates, who all got their training for 2026 underway on Monday.
In an interview with club media, O’Donnell said he can’t wait for the next chapter of his career to begin.
He said: “I’m very excited, I’m keen to rip in with the boys.”
“I haven’t met any of them [teammates] yet, besides Tristan [Powell], obviously I was with him at [Brisbane] Tigers, so that will make that a lot easier, but I’m very keen.
In terms of the his playstyle and what he bases his performances around, he said: “Just effort. Hopefully they see the hard work that I put in and that’s pretty much it, just getting my job done.
Commenting on Powell’s impact, he added: “Obviously I’ll surround myself with him a little bit until I get to know all the boys, but he made the decision very easy to come over here. I’ve been speaking to him prior [to joining], and he’s been unreal.
O’Donnell will be working under coach Luke Robinson, and from the initial interactions the two have had, it has been nothing but positive for the new recruit.
He said: “[Robinson]’s just excited, he’s made it sound unreal here and the people around are very welcoming. He’s been unreal as well, texting me all the time, making sure my partner’s okay and constantly just checking up on me.”
Asked what advice older brother Kai gave on his move to England, he said: “First thing was just the cold, that’s the main thing you’ve got to get over. But, he just said it’s an unreal experience. You can go anywhere in Europe for a few pound and he said just go over there, it’s a good experience.”
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