CHRIS PLUME'S rise up the coaching ladder is continuing silently but surely.
At 22 years of age, the Giants Senior Academy prop-forward can boast the title of the youngest head coach of a Super League club side.
Plume has just helped guide the Junior Academy Under 18s to two wins from four grading fixtures.
That's no mean achievement, particularly as one of the wins was against Bradford Bulls (the other was at Featherstone Rovers).
And the Huddersfield University student admits he is enjoying every minute in his new role at the McAlpine.
"There's a lot more responsibility in being the head coach and there's no more hiding behind Lee St Hilaire," admitted Plume, who became the youngest staff coach of a Super League club when he was just 20 years old.
"So taking charge of the Junior Academy side really is a massive, massive step.
"But as part of my coaching education it's absolutely fantastic.
"It's a way of testing myself to the full, and I believe I'm already developing further as a coach.
"Besides coaching the Academy, I'm now in a position to spend two days a week shadowing Jon Sharp and his Super League coaching staff.
"I've just completed my Health and Sports Studies degree at Huddersfield Universirty, so I've got time on my side.
"And watching what happens in the Super League set-up is a tremendous opportunity for me."
Plume is now preparing the Junior Academy for the start of the League campaign, and can't wait for the games to get under way.
"There are a lot of highly talented and highly motivated players in the squad," added Plume.
"They are always really switched on out on the training and feed off each other all the time.
"Their attitude in training is obviously spot-on as well, and there's no better sight than watching Jason Southwell crashing over the line or seeing Thomas Hemingway dictating play.
"I'm well aware that there are a number of players in this squad who could end up playing in Super League.
"It's a privilege to coach them and be a part of their development."
