Huddersfield Giants have appointed Nathan Brown, the 34-year-old Australian, as their new head coach on a three-year contract, starting in November. Brown, the coach of St George Illawarra Dragons in Australia's NRL, succeeds Jon Sharp, who was sacked last month.

“Nathan comes with the highest possible recommendations from across the rugby league world,” Ken Davy, the Huddersfield chairman, said. “We had the highest possible calibre of applicant, both from the UK and overseas, so for Nathan to be our preferred choice speaks volumes for him and his achievements in the game. This is the start of a new and exciting chapter for Nathan and the Huddersfield Giants.”

Brown secured the job ahead of Royce Simmons, the former Australia hooker who is the assistant coach at Wests Tigers, and Steve Folkes, the coach at Bulldogs and a former Hull forward. He has been in charge of the Dragons for the past six seasons, after his appointment in 2003 when he was only 29. However, Wayne Bennett, the Brisbane coach, was confirmed in April as St George's new coach for 2009, forcing Brown to search for pastures new.

“This is a very exciting opportunity and I can't wait to get started,” Brown said. “I've obviously got some unfinished business with St George between now and the end of the season, but I intend to spend every spare minute watching the Giants on video and liaising with Keiron Purtill and Paul Anderson [the Huddersfield caretaker coaches] on a regular basis. They seem to be doing a great job and I know that when I come over everything at the club will be in very good order.”

Brown will be charged with getting the most out of an underperforming squad. The Giants reached the 2006 Challenge Cup final at Twickenham and last year they featured in the engage Super League play-offs for the first time in their history, but those achievements have largely been forgotten during a dismal campaign in which they have registered only six victories. Defeat by Warrington Wolves this evening, and a win for Castleford Tigers away to Harlequins tomorrow, would leave the club perilously close to the bottom of the table.

“I'm not prepared to make any bold predictions about what we can achieve over the next three years,” Brown said. “My big goal initially will be to help improve each player individually. That will improve the team collectively and we'll just take it from there. There's no doubt this club has incredible potential and the chance to help fulfil it is one that already excites me.”

Catalans Dragons will force themselves into the top two this evening if they beat Leeds Rhinos in Perpignan. The French team have emerged as title contenders during recent weeks and will fancy their chances against a Leeds side missing Brent Webb, the full back, who has a back injury.