It may have been a relatively brief Super League debut.
But 19-year-old Huddersfield Giants prop Tyler Dickinson wasn’t complaining.
The former England Academy front-row forward always knew his time on the field in his first senior start in last Friday’s narrow 20-16 defeat at Super League champions Leeds Rhinos would be short.
In fact, it was around 15 minutes.
But with 15 tackles and no misses under his belt, as well as one strong, confident carry, Dickinson’s confidence has received a huge boost.
As a result, he knows that when he next gets the Super League call, he’ll be fully prepared.
“It’s unbelievable how quick Super League is,” said Dickinson, who last season had a successful loan spell in Championship I with Keighley Cougars.
“Championship I is a lot more physical, but the difference in pace is the thing that really gets you. With all the players being full-time athletes it really shows when you’re out there on the field.
“But, to be honest, I didn’t feel out of my depth during my time on the field.
“Because I was making my debut, Leeds chose to run at me as much as possible, and that’s why I made 15 tackles in 15 minutes.
“Fortunately, I didn’t miss any of them, and I also got to make one solid carry as well.
“So, all in all, it wasn’t a bad start. It was error-free and something positive to build on, which is what I hope to do as soon as possible.
“Hopefully, I’ll have done enough to keep my place in the squad for Sunday’s home game against Hull KR. But if I haven’t, I’m still very happy with the way things are going for me at the moment.
“We obviously just need to start winning games, which I know won’t be too far away.”
And having grown even closer to the senior players since making his debut in front of the Sky TV cameras at Headingley, he’ll be delighted when those wins start coming.
“The boys were brilliant with me in the build-up to the game, and during it as well,” added the Halifax-based forward, who doesn’t turn 20 until August.
“Their support was amazing and they made sure I was okay all the time. They never stopped giving me useful pointers.
“Paul Anderson was also brilliant with me. Before going out there, he just told me to chill-out, keep it simple and not worry about it at all.
“That all helped make sure I was relaxed as I possibly could be when I finally got out there. It meant my main emotion on the day was one of excitement, rather than nerves.
“It’s always been my dream to play in Super League for the Giants and at a ground like Headingley in front of the TV cameras and a big crowd, so I got to do it all at the same time!
“Playing and beating Australia with the England Academy was amazing, but this was the next level.”
