Simon Woolford has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Huddersfield

Simon Woolford has been appointed as the new Huddersfield Giants head coach.

The Australian 43-year-old has left his coaching role with NRL club Newcastle Knights and signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Super League club.

He replaces Rick Stone at Huddersfield who was sacked in March.

Woolford is best known for being a hooker and captain at Canberra Raiders, and he also spent the latter part of his career at St George Illawarra Dragons.

0:37 In-form winger Josh Charnley scores three against Huddersfield in Warrington's 38-4 win over the Giants. In-form winger Josh Charnley scores three against Huddersfield in Warrington's 38-4 win over the Giants.

He will have some knowledge of his new club as he has been working alongside Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown, who was in charge of the Giants from 2009-2012.

Huddersfield are currently bottom of the Super League and have gone eight matches without a win.