IN RUGBY parlance, the word versatility is usually one associated with the ‘glory boys’ who run about in the back line, and are usually equally at home playing anywhere from full-back to wing.

Dave Hall, Lee Paxman and Tom Owen can all play anywhere in the back division, but Huddersfield have now discovered a new Mr Versatility who is quickly making a name for himself in the side’s ‘engine room’.

Last season James Davies was the first choice hooker, but then lost his place after the third game of the season up at Kendal, where he suffered concussion in a blow after just five minutes, to new signing Ben Morrill, who was recruited from Old Brodleians during the close season.

Since then the burly Lindley-based hooker, has been transformed into a prop forward, spent a lot of time on the subs’ bench, and last week even made a huge contribution on his third role change when he morphed into a mighty lock forward!

“It was just really nice to get on the park and gets some good game-time,” reflected Davies, after replacing the suspended regular Lee Brown in the No4 shirt.

“And the bonus was that coach Dan Hyde said he was pleased with my performance in the second row, which is only the second time I’ve played there, the other being just 20 minutes of the second half against Harrogate.”

“Hooker was my preferred position, but after picking up that injury at Kendal and having to miss the mandatory three games following concussion, Ben (Morrill) came into the side and took his chance well.

“Since then I’ve been trying to learn the ins and outs of being a prop.

“There are a lot more technical things attached to propping, such as getting low enough so the opposition can’t get underneath you. And with that in mind, Tony Stringwell has taken me under his wing to help teach me the techniques of being a good prop.

“Obviously it is frustrating starting so many games on the bench, but the good thing is there is now plenty of competition for places which can only be a good thing for the future of the team.”

Now 23, Davies, who is employed as an engineer at Halco Group Ltd, in Southowram, has been with the club since the age of eight and began his rugby career when the club were still at Waterloo, and has come up through all the various junior levels and eventually into the Academy side before making his mark in the seniors.

“Sadly, I’m the only one still here at the club from the team I played with in the Academy, although Tom Sharrock is still nearby after he joined neighbours YMCA last season.

“Luther Burrell went on to play with Leeds Tykes, Gavin Jones is now playing up in Blaydon, while Tom Ainsworth moved to Australia and is loving it over there.

“From our point of view, I think we’ve had a reasonable season and with the run of games we’ve got left I believe we can still pick up quite a lot more points, as we have several of the lower clubs still to play.

“I think we have learned a lot this season, and as a team we now know how we want to play.

“We have the fifth best-rated defence in the League, a good scrambled defence and a back line that are able to penetrate, with Simon Pratt being a really good signing on the wing.

“And I feel we are also a lot more professional and organised now, with set times for everything on match days, from arrival to our 25-minute structured warm-up.

“Although it’s frustrating not being in the starting line-up, I think under Dan there is a bit more chance of squad rotation at the club these days, so I’m just happy to play wherever he wants me to.

“I felt I contributed last week in the second row and hope I made an impression there – now I just need to learn to jump in the line-out!”