GIANTS head coach Jon Sharp is tonight looking for his young players to prove their futures lie in Super League

Huddersfield's Academy team are ready to face their toughest-ever test when they entertain Australian tourists Penrith Panthers Under 18s at the McAlpine Stadium (7.30).

The Panthers are arguably the best junior side in the world, with many of their players expected to move up into the senior squad at the club which won the Australian grand final.

That means the Giants could be in for the most challenging of evenings.

And Sharp believes that will give him the ideal chance to assess how his rising stars are progressing.

Included in the starting line-up are Ben Feehan, Philip Joseph and Rikki Sheriffe, who were promoted to the Giants' Super League squad at the end of last season.

But the new Huddersfield supremo is also looking for the other players to stand up and be counted on the big stage tonight.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for all these players to prove their worth," said Sharp.

"Obviously, I'm expecting Ben, Phil and Rikki to give a good account of themselves because they have already spent a month training full-time with us.

"In that time I expect to see an improvement in their play, particuarly if they want to stake their Super League claims at Huddersfield.

"But for some of the other lads, it's their chance to prove they should be invited to train with the first team, even though some of them are still only 16 and 17.

"Tonight is a very exciting occasion and it's a privilege for us to host a team of this quality."

The match is to be refereed by top official Russell Smith, who will also take charge of Saturday's third Test match between Great Britain and Australia at the McAlpine Stadium (6.15).

Called up to the Lions squad is former Giants centre Martin Gleeson, who is in for the injured Keith Senior (broken thumb).

* The club's McAlpine office will remain open until 7.30 tonight to sell season tickets, while the club shop will also be open until that time when it will be selling new items.

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