RISING star Ollie Wickett is ready to make his full debut as Huddersfield aim to secure a vital North I win at Beverley tomorrow (2.15).
Wickett came off the bench to help his side make a return to winning ways a week ago in the 29-6 home triumph over Chester.
That came a week after the young full-back had savoured a brief first taste of senior action at Kendal in the cup the week before.
But tomorrow will be the first time Wickett has started a contest at North I level, and player-coach Mark Sowerby belives he is ready.
"I've been very impressed with what I've seen from Ollie," said Sowerby.
"He's tall, rangy, athletic and quick, and he can boot a ball a mile. I rate him very highly.
"Until now, his first-team run-outs have been limited to late spells off the bench.
"But he showed against Chester, in particular, that he's ready to take the next step up, and that means starting against Beverley tomorrow.
"He'll be coming in at full-back for Andy Metcalfe, who we've known for some weeks wouldn't be available for this match.
"So we have groomed Ollie somewhat for this weekend, and I have no doubt at all he'll do a good job."
Wickett's debut is one of several changes to the side that beat Chester last weekend.
Fit-again Ben Paxman returns at outside centre, with young Sam Carter switching to the bench alongside prop Jack McPhail and highly-promising flanker Joe Rotchell.
And Thiu Barnard, who missed last week to rest a shoulder/neck strain, takes over from Hamish Pratt, who is spending the next month back in his native New Zealand.
There's no doubt Pratt's presence will be missed.
But Sowerby is confident the pack will be able to overcome his absence.
"It is a big consolation that we are able to welcome Thiu back at the same time as we're losing Hamish," added Sowerby.
"But everyone knows how hard Hamish works for the side.
"Luckily, we know Thiu will do a great job, and that we also have a top youngster in Gavin Jones coming to the fore.
"Gavin was again outstanding for us a week ago, particularly in the line-out, and he knows he will need to repeat that against Beverley tomorrow.
"This is another very tough game for us, because Beverley have a proud home record stretching back a few years.
"They're the only team to beat Caldy in the League this year, and two weeks ago knocked Fylde, from a higher division, out of the cup.
"But our win last week has helped lift our confidence after a tough patch, and hopefully that will help us tomorrow."
Huddersfield: Wickett; Shaw, Paxman (B), Paxman (L), Taylor; Johnson, Clayton; Pollock, Gough, Stringwell, Barnard, Hinchliff, Jones, Whitehead, Sowerby. Subs: McPhail, Carter, Rotchell.
Falcons (Beverley, home, 2.15. Meet 1pm): Swift; Davies, Prescott, Wilson, Rosier; Ainsworth, Rothery; Thorpe, Davies, Chatha, Shiel, Baxter, Hawkins, Doyne, Sharrock. Subs: Shaw, Smith, Bodsworth, Lynch, O'Toole.
A Team (Heath, away, 2.15. Meet noon): Ball; Grimes, Terry, Lancaster, Price; Lockwood, Cleave; Stead, Hayes, Ellis, Sowerby, Silvers, Littlewood, Hirst, Walker. Subs: Gledhill, Marsden, Summers.
