Eorl Crabtree – one of the most iconic players of the Super League era – is set to come out of retirement in 2021 and play for local outfit, Newsome Panthers.

Crabtree, now aged 38, made his name as a one-club man, playing over 400 games for Huddersfield Giants between 2000 and his retirement in 2016.

The hulking prop played his junior rugby with Underbank Rangers and would go on to collect 14 caps for England, as well as appearing in two Challenge Cup finals for the Giants.

He also won the League Leaders’ Shield with Huddersfield in 2013 and was named at prop in the Super League Dream Team in 2014.

Former Scotland international Ritchie Hawkyard is Newsome’s Open Age Head Coach and said: “What can you say about this Legend of Huddersfield that everyone doesn’t know!

“To make over 400 appearances at one club is almost unheard of, but to also represent your country on 14 occasions is a great achievement.

“Eorl will bring a heap of experience but also just that physical presence in the middle of the field, which is what every club wants.

“When we spoke to Eorl about coming he was very excited, he likes what we are trying to do and to do it in his home town makes it more appealing.”

The Panthers squad looks to have a wealth of experience to call upon in 2021, with Hawkyard – a veteran of over 300 professional appearances, set to play alongside former Hull FC and Bradford Bulls man Jason Crookes and a number of former professional academy products.

Hawkyard added: “Eorl is was wanting to get back into training and get rid of the Covid diet he said he’s been on!”

“When I spoke to him he said he can’t wait to rip in with the boys and try pass on as much of his knowledge to the younger lads as he can.”