Kruise Leeming feels blessed to have learned off two hookers of the very highest order.
The 20-year-old rising Giants star spent his formative years being mentored by fellow former Siddal junior Luke Robinson.
But Robinson has now handed that baton on to new top Australian NRL Melbourne Storm signing Ryan Hinchcliffe.
With Robinson having just been forced to retire due to his long-standing hip problem, Leeming knows he’s been presented with a golden opportunity to stake a regular Super League claim.
And by taking on board everything he’s learned off Robinson and everything he’s now picking up from Hinchcliffe, Leeming is determined to reap the benefits.
“I know what an amazing opportunity this is for me,” said the Swaziland-born youngster, who will share the hooking role with Hinchcliffe in tomorrow’s home clash against Widnes Vikings (3.00).
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“I’m gutted I’m getting this extra chance because of Robbo’s injury, but I can’t let that affect what I’m doing.
“Robbo’s been absolutely brilliant with me from day one. I’ve always travelled over to training from Halifax with him, and the fact we’ve come from the same amateur club has made our bond even closer.
“Everything about the advice he’s given me to help improve my game has been spot-on, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that.
“So I suppose I’m lucky that I can now learn some different things from Ryan Hinchcliffe.
“Every day I come into training my main goal is to keep on improving, and with Hinchy’s guidance I’m sure I can do just that.
“His help has been massive, and not just in terms of the individual things I can learn from him,
“One major thing he’s brought with him is the Melbourne culture and the way they work for each other and never switch off, whether that’s in training or playing.
“I know I’m learning off him all the time, but I think everyone else is, too.”
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And even though Leeming has been a part of a Giants side that has lost their opening two Super League XXI fixtures, he knows his club is continuing to head in the right direction.
“With all these injuries (eight senior players are sidelined at the moment) it’s been a tough start for us,” added Leeming.
“And any side in the competition would struggle with an injury list like ours.
“But we’re not using that as an excuse at all.
“I know how much all of the younger lads in the squad are enjoying the chance to show what we can do.
“As a result, we’re really looking forward to facing Widnes this weekend and getting that first win, which we fully expect to get.”
