Huddersfield new-boy McNally will be marked man next season - Ged Stokes
Last updated 13:00, Thursday, 27 November 2008
Ged Stokes warned there will be no hiding place for new Super League recruit Gregg McNally in a Whitehaven shirt next season – but the Recre boss believes the talented teen can step up to the challenge on his return to lower league action.
The 17-year-old returns to Haven next term on loan as a condition of a new three-year deal with Huddersfield Giants, and Stokes reckons he will be targeted by Championship rivals. “In the National League, he’ll be a big spot, especially now that he’s joined a Super League club,” said Stokes.
“They’ll be saying, ‘let’s get the kid’. It may be very tough and e has to accept that. Gregg can make a Super League player, though he knows there’s an awful lot of work to do this year.
“He wanted to play for Whitehaven next year, there’s no doubt about it. He has great loyalty to Whitehaven but had to balance that with the rest of his career.”
Stokes revealed the clamour for McNally started the day after he scored three tries on his televised first-team against title favourites Salford last season.
Hull KR contacted the club the next day, with Rovers boss Justin Morgan later travelling to Whitehaven to speak to McNally, impressing many at the Recre, while the Giants expressed an interest within a week. The Robins remained strong contenders for his signature until late in the day.
“I’ve got no problem with Gregg going to Huddersfield,” Stokes added. “They are a hard-working squad.”
Richard Thewlis, Giants’ managing director, described the move for the England Under-18 ace, who will continue his A-level studies at Whitehaven School, as “an investment for the future.”
“He will train full-time with us when his studies permit, and continue to play in NL1 for his hometown club for the immediate future,” Thewlis added.
“The deal has been handled very professionally by the Whitehaven club, who recognise that Gregg is a huge talent who needs the Super League club environment as soon as possible to fulfil his immense potential.”
Haven director Mike Graham revealed that the Giants had agreed to face Haven in a pre-season game next term as part of the deal.
