PROUD Giants coach Jon Sharp is hoping the performances of Paul Mennell and Peter Robinson against Wigan Warriors on Thursday will act as inspiration to those who play at Batley tomorrow (3.00).

The two teenagers marked their first senior starts with impressive JJB run-outs in the 38-22 defeat.

Many of their Academy teammates will take centre stage at Mount Pleasant tomorrow when the Giants' National League I opponents are expected to field a full-strength side.

And Sharp is hoping the youngsters are able to reproduce the form shown by 18-year-olds Mennell and Robinson in midweek.

"The performances of Peter and Paul at Wigan blew me away," admitted Sharp.

"No-one would have known from the way they played that this was the first time they had been included in the Super League squad.

"They both played with confidence and assurance, and I was proud of what they, and Simon George for that matter, did.

"Hopefully, we'll see performances of a similar nature from some of our other young players tomorrow."

It seems unlikely Sharp will field his top-name players at the Mount.

He has been delighted with the way the senior Giants have performed in the pre-season games against Bradford, Castleford and Wigan, and the feeling is that some of the Academy players are in need of game time.