The Huddersfield Giants have appointed former player Jimmy Lenihan as their new head coach on a long-term contract, effective 8 May 2026. The 52-year-old Australian, who previously played for the club during the 1999 season, joins the team as they look to turn around a difficult start to the current campaign.
The club currently sits at the bottom of the Super League table, having lost eight of their first ten matches in 2026. This follows a challenging period that saw the departure of previous head coach Luke Robinson in March 2026 after a winless opening to the season. The team has also navigated a series of player absences due to an injury crisis, which has sidelined up to 16 first-team players at various points.
Lenihan brings significant experience to the role, having previously served as an assistant coach at the Gold Coast Titans and securing two premiership titles with the Burleigh Bears. His appointment is a key part of the Giants Unleashed programme, a three-year transformation project backed by club owner Ken Davy. The initiative aims to rebuild the club with the ultimate goal of reaching a Super League Grand Final within three years.
Lenihan will take charge of the team immediately, pending standard visa clearances. His first match as head coach will take place at home against St Helens on Thursday 14 May 2026.
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