Huddersfield Giants sign New Zealand international from Gold Coast Titans

The 26-year-old Auckland-born goal-kicking three-quarter will be a straight replacement for the departing Ricky Leutele and is the Giants’ second centre recruit from the NRL following the capture of former St Helens player Kevin Naiqama from Sydney Roosters.

Huddersfield coach Ian Watson said: “Esan is an amazing attacking threat with ball in hand but is a player who is willing to do the tough things for his team in defence so will be a huge addition to our squad for 2023.

“He’s a player I have watched and admired from afar for a number of years now, most memorably watching him tear it up at Wests Tigers and New Zealand against England in 2018/2019.”

Marsters, who has also been capped by the Cook Islands, played alongside his new Huddersfield team-mate Chris McQueen during his three years with Wests Tigers.

He said: “It’s massive for me, coming over and experiencing what England is like, doing some travelling but also, it’s a great opportunity to concentrate and enjoy my footy in the Super League.

“You know it is a really tough league, I’ve been watching a few games. Hopefully I can help out wherever I can in the team and build on these last few weeks and months when I come to Huddersfield.”