Craig Fitzgibbon backs Lenihan as Huddersfield appoints new head coach
Huddersfield Giants have appointed Jim Lenihan as head coach on a long-term contract, ending the club’s spell with only interim leadership. The move gives the Super League bottom side a permanent appointment after Luke Robinson was sacked on March 22, and Lenihan is set to take charge before the home match against St Helens on Thursday 14 May.
Craig Fitzgibbon and Lenihan
Lenihan’s next step comes after his most recent spell as head coach of the Brisbane Tigers in Australia. He also worked as an assistant coach at Gold Coast Titans from 2019 to 2025, and temporarily took over as interim head coach there in 2023. Huddersfield said he would link up with immediate effect, subject to visa clearances.
The club said: “Huddersfield Giants are delighted to announce the appointment of Jim Lenihan as the club's new head coach on a long-term contract.” It added: “The former Gold Coast Titans assistant, and two-time Intrust Super Cup premiership-winning coach will link up with immediate effect, subject to visa clearances, with the appointment continuing the theme of change running through the new 'Giants Unleashed' era at the club.”
Huddersfield Giants after March 22
Huddersfield had been without a permanent head coach since Robinson was dismissed on March 22 after losing all five of their opening Super League matches. Liam Finn then took charge of five league fixtures while the club searched for a full-time replacement.
Lenihan is returning to a club he knows from the 1999 season, when he made 21 playing appearances for Huddersfield. The hiring also reflects the club’s stated preference for a coach whose vision aligned with its own, with the club saying: “The Huddersfield Giants received some outstanding applications from candidates, but it was Lenihan's vision for the club, which aligned with the club's as we embark on this Unleashed journey, as being the perfect fit.”
St Helens at home
His first match in charge is set for the home game against St Helens on Thursday 14 May. Huddersfield now move from a short-term fix to a long-term appointment, with Lenihan stepping in while the team remains at the foot of Super League.
