Huddersfield Giants lead chase for Golden Boot-shortlisted NRL star

Huddersfield Giants are leading the chase to sign centre Taane Milne. Rugby League Live can reveal that the Super League club want to land a deal for the 29-year-old following an impressive international campaign with Fiji.

Milne, who has made 91 NRL appearances is a free agent after leaving South Sydney Rabbitohs at the end of the campaign. He was a regular for the Bunnies this year, making 21 appearances and scoring four tries. Should the Giants complete a deal, he would become the third player they have signed from the club, having also drafted in Tom Burgess and Jacob Gagai ahead of the 2025 season.

Milne has been representing Fiji in the Pacific Championships and his performances saw him named on an extended shortlist for the Golden Boot this year. He featured in the nation's victory over Cook Islands and defeat to Papua New Guinea.

READ MORE: Super League's opening round fixtures revealed as mouthwatering derby headlines

READ MORE: Homes Under the Hammer's Martin Roberts 'sleeping rough' as he issues heartbreaking plea

A hard-hitting player, Milne would add further strength to Luke Robinson's three-quarter line next season. The Giants have lost Kevin Naiqama and Esan Marsters but have added Gagai, who is set to play at fullback following Jake Connor's departure, as well as Liam Sutcliffe from Hull FC.

Formerly of St George Illawarra Dragons and New Zealand Warriors, Milne has predominantly played at centre but has also featured on the wing and at back-row during his career.

Huddersfield were previously credited with having an interest in bringing Ricky Leutele back to the club but it appears that their attentions are now firmly on Milne, who has spent the last four seasons with South Sydney.

As well as Gagai, Burgess and Sutcliffe, Huddersfield have also signed Hull KR prop George King heading into 2025 and Canberra Raiders hooker Zac Woolford, the son of former head coach, Simon.

The Giants have missed out on the play-offs in the past two seasons and Robinson will be hoping to deliver an improved campaign in his first full year in charge, having been placed in interim charge following Ian Watson's departure midway through the season.

Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel