It is a name that is common to fans of the Newcastle Knights and the Manly Sea Eagles, as Chris Bailey – who last played for the London Broncos in the English Super League – will join the Huddersfield Giants on a 2-year contract.
Bailey, who is the younger brother of another former NRL player, one Phil Bailey, enjoyed a decent run of form for the Broncos and in the Exiles game, before injury in the representative clash prevented him from taking any further part in the season.
With his experience and proven ability to prove vital, the Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis was pleased to have someone like Bailey come on board.
“He was a hot property in a fairly skinny recruitment market for quality players it’s true to say,” said Thewlis.
“He has had some stellar seasons for London and players of his experience are few and far between with versatility of position being a key attribute of his.
For him to choose our club is wonderful news, as his clear remit in talks with his manager and himself was that he wanted to come to a club with genuine silverware ambition.
We have that and it’s good that he recognises that and wants to add himself into what will be a competitive environment, as we look to make further strides forward.â€
A proven player and a versatile one, his ability to play in several different positions will be an asset for the Giants side.
For Giants coach Paul Anderson, the versatility is something that he sees as key.
“What he will bring is plenty of experience and a new dimension to us,” said Anderson.
“He can play in numerous positions at 13, in the back row or as a half and therefore he has a lot of utility value.
The role we have planned for him in and around the middle of the field will add another element to our attack. He’s got a lot of quality and has some good experience in the NRL with Manly and then a few years at London.
He’s always someone we’ve had to look out for when we’ve played against them.
Chris is not coming to the Giants to see his career out he has come to win something and challenge for honours and that was the key for me.â€
Equally excited is Bailey himself, who is relishing the chance to play for the Giants.
“I am ecstatic to be joining Huddersfield Giants,” said Bailey.
“They are a team with a strong Rugby League tradition and history, amazing fans and facilities.
“I was talking to a few clubs both in the UK and overseas, but Huddersfield because of their focus on building a strong team over the past few years and the strength of the coaching team were always top of my list. I look forward to joining them in pre season for 2014 and again thank the Broncos for my time with them.â€