New Huddersfield Giants coach Rick Stone is looking forward to watching Huddersfield’s rising stars for the first time.

While the senior squad have been given two days off following a week of intense training to get used to playing the ‘Rick Stone way’, the new boss will tomorrow be at Lockwood Park (2.00) to watch the Giants’ Under 19s in Academy action against London Broncos.

The experienced Australian has already offered to help assistants Chris Thorman and Luke Robinson in the coaching of the club’s youngsters.

And having seen – and been highly encouraged – by what the likes of young Super League squad men Nathan Mason, Oliver Roberts, Kruise Leeming and Josh Johnson have to offer, Stone is relishing the chance to see a lot more of the club’s youngsters in action.

“This is my first real chance to see the kids playing, and I’m excited about it,” said the former Newcastle Knights and Fiji head coach.

“There’s no doubt the young blokes who I’ve seen play in the senior side – I thought Oliver and Nathan played particularly well at Warrington last week, and Kruise and Josh are also showing up well – have all got some talent, and they just need a chance and for someone to believe in them.

“This weekend is the ideal opportunity for me to take a close look at some of the others who are knocking on the door and make a positive impression.”