Jake Connor's heroics for the Under 19s has kept him in the frame for the Huddersfield Giants’ home Super League clash against Widnes Vikings on Sunday.
While the bulk of Huddersfield’s senior squad had the weekend off, Connor and Kruise Leeming backed up their excellent displays in the top-flight triumph at Wakefield 10 days ago with quality performances in the thrilling 30-28 Academy success over St Helens.
The 19-year-old took his place in coach Chris Thorman’s side despite featuring in three of his side’s last four Super League fixtures and responded by scoring a magnificent hat trick of tries.
And with Leroy Cudjoe (hip) and Jodie Broughton (ankle/foot) expected to be available for the Widnes clash after missing the Wakefield win, Connor’s hopes of retaining his senior spot has come under serious threat.
But with the England Youth utility back in such a rich vein of form and having been singled out for praise by Thorman, Connor has kept up the pressure to retain his place this weekend.
“Jake Connor’s a freak,” said Thorman.
“He scored tries (against Saints) that no-one else would have been able to.”
As well as crossing for a treble, the talented full-back helped create several others as the Under 19s fought back from a 24-8 half-time deficit to steal the League points in stunning fashion.
And that will put the sixth-placed Giants in excellent heart ahead of Saturday’s home Academy clash against Widnes at Laund Hill.
