He may be 33, and considered a veteran, but there is no point in telling former Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors prop Stuart Fielden that he is past it – with the English front-rower keen and willing to get stuck in for the next two years with the Huddersfield Giants.
Fielden, who can also play in the back-row if needed, as forged a reputation as one of the most feared players in the English Super League, and insists that it is the inspirations of both Head Coach Paul Anderson and Managing Director Richard Thewlis, that excites him.
“It’s a very exciting day for me, the first day at my new club and I am really enthusiastic about it. I was speaking to a number of clubs and having come from a top standard club, I wanted to have something similar, he admitted.
“The biggest thing that persuaded me was when I was speaking to Paul (Anderson) and Richard (Thewlis) and they told me the plans and aspirations that they have to be a top team, winning trophies and that is why I am here, he said.
“For the last two years Huddersfield have been in the top four for two thirds of the season, so there is obviously something right going on and with Paul Anderson’s plans, hopefully we will get to the top and I firmly believe that in the next few years we will achieve that.â€
Although he may appear old, having made his debut back in 1998, a whopping 14 years ago – Fielden believes that his past successes with Bradford and Wigan, is something he can bring to the Giants.
“Myself and Paul have similar ideas in discipline and being meticulous. I have come from Wigan who were the same, it is what teams need and that is one of the things that has captivated me to come here, he said.
“I think I have a massive amount to offer as a player. I can use all my techniques and I feel I can offer a lot of experience. I have been in 15 finals and I’ve got 10 trophies which is something I can draw on and give insights in to the big games.â€