NATHAN BROWN is looking at Larne Patrick to take Super League XVII by storm.
The 23-year-old utility forward celebrated another fine season by gaining an England Knights call.
Patrick was forced to pull out of the Knights’ autumn international against France in order to rest a long-standing neck problem.
That course of action appears to have paid off, with Patrick having been training well throughout pre-season as he again looks to share his on-field time between prop and second row.
And Brown is confident that hard work will be reflected in his performances.
“Larne has been training really well, as he always does,” said Brown.
“Over the past few years his game has developed significantly and he is really determined to see that continue.
“To be honest, it’s almost incredible to think he’s already one of the most experienced members of the Giants squad. He’s probably up around the 60-game mark for us with the likes of Shaun Lunt and Scott Grix.
“But we know there’s still a lot more to come from him.
“With several senior members of the pack missing the start of the season through injury, we’ll be looking to blokes like Larne to take the lead. We know he can do it.”
As well as Patrick needing to rest his neck, several of his Giants teammates also had to withdraw from the England Knights squad through injury, with Dale Ferguson (shoulder), Michael Lawrence (wrist) and Jermaine McGillvary (ankle) all having to undergo surgery.
