THE strength of our squad was once again in evidence when we handed Danny Kirmond his Super League debut against Wakefield at the weekend.

He has been close to receiving a senior call for several weeks because of his very high level and consistent performances for the Reserves over the past few weeks.

So I was delighted to be able to give him the nod against the Wildcats, especially as he lives just down the road from Belle Vue at Crofton.

And I know that because I’ve known the Kirmond family for years. In fact, Danny’s mother works with my mum.

But this connection of our families certainly had nothing to do with me giving him a game.

He was chosen ahead of Stuart Jones last weekend on merit.

Danny is a really athletic individual and, because of the way he has been playing in the last few weeks, those displays were impossible to ignore.

He was clearly ready to step up to Super League, and he certainly didn’t let anyone down.