Academy chief Chris Thorman is hoping Mikey Wood’s England exploits will be followed by promotion to the Giants’ Super League squad.

Former Slaithwaite Saracens junior Wood was a substitute in both of England Academy’s Test clashes against Australian Schoolboys, which finished with one triumph each.

But while Giants prop Tyler Dickinson, who started both games, has already been promoted to the first-team squad, fellow 18-year-old Wood is still part of the full-time Senior Academy set-up.

And if that all changes and Wood takes the step up, no-one would be prouder than Thorman.

“Having worked with Mikey and Tyler closely for a couple of years, it was fantastic to see them playing so well for England,” said Thorman.

“I played for England Academy against Australian Schoolboys around 15 years ago and we got nowhere near them, which suggests we are closing the gap, and for the two of them to handle the occasion so well was the icing on the cake.

“Tyler played big minutes, particularly in the first Test, and played well. He always carries the ball strongly, doesn’t get dominated, is a very good communicator and leads by his actions.

“Those were the reasons why he has been promoted to the first-team squad.

“I was delighted when he was promoted, and I’d now love to see Mikey’s name on the first-team board.

“He’s developed, physically, later than Tyler, but he’s now becoming a man. He’s 6ft 3in and 97kg, and with the effort and endeavour he always shows in his training, he’s definitely getting nearer to taking the next step up.

“I’ve been told how highly the Australian coaching staff were speaking of him, and the confidence that should give him should be massive.

“At the moment, Mikey can play back-row, loose-forward or front row, but I think the time has come for him to focus all his attentions on one position – probably back row – and make that his own, because that’s what he really needs to do to get into the senior squad.”

A third Giants player, 17-year-old Liam Johnson, was also in the England Academy squad, but the fact he was almost two years younger than some of his nation’s teammates meant he missed out on final selection.

But Thorman knows being called up in the first place was something to savour.

“For Liam to be called up was pretty remarkable.” added the former Giants captain.

“Because of Liam’s age, I haven’t worked with him as much as I have with Tyler or Mikey, but it didn’t take me too long to know he’s a very special talent and his time with the England Academy will come.

“That talent is why he’s already part of our Super League squad.”