GIANTS man-of-the-match Paul March believes young hooker Phil Joseph should take a big share of the credit for last night's Super League win over Widnes.

The rookie 19-year-old set off to the Halton Stadium expecting to be 18th man.

But by the time the team had reached their destination, Joseph was being called into action after Darren Turner's sore back had seized up.

Turner had passed a late fitness test and was hopeful of playing, but fortunately the former Newsome Panther was on hand to fill the role and March felt he did a fantastic job.

"It must have been really hard for Phil, but I thought he handled it superbly," said the 24-year-old goalkicking scrum half.

"I was obviously delighted to have been named the man-of-the-match and, overall, I was pleased with my contribution.

"However, I did feel it was a fantastic team effort that got us the win, with Phil being a big port in that success.

"He's only just turned 19, but I see no reason why he can't go on from this and make an even bigger impression in Super League."

For Joseph himself, last night's match crowned a memorable week in his young life.

Just a few days before, he became a father for the first time when his girlfriend, Claire, gave birth to a daughter, Taniya.

And he admitted playing Super League for the Giants in front of the Sky TV cameras - and in a winning side! - was the icing of the cake.

"It's been a fantastic week," he said.

"First, I became a dad and now I've played in Super League for my hometown team. Brilliant!

"I have to admit I couldn't believe how nervous I was when the match first started, and I'm aware it affected my game.

"But the more it went on the more I settled down, and in my second spell back on the field I loved every minute of it.

"I just hope my parents, Maureen and Kenrick, were proud when they saw me out there, because I owe them a massive thank you for the way they have supported me with my rugby.

"And it's the same with Brandon Costin. He's become my mentor at the club and I'm sure he appreciates what I put in yesterday."