LARNE PATRICK is hoping his outstanding performance in yesterday’s 30-0 Super League thrashing of Hull KR will be enough to keep him in the Giants’ first-team frame for as long as possible.
The 21-year-old utility forward came off the bench to terrorise the Robins’ defence with several blockbusting runs.
These included a devastating 40m charge to the tryline with his first touch of the ball after 28 minutes.
Patrick knows he was playing only because of the pectoral muscle injury to first-choice prop Keith Mason.
But he is hoping his display yesterday – which was on the back of another encouraging show at Hull FC nine days earlier – will keep him in contention for the other top-flight challenges on the horizon.
“It was pretty unfortunate how I got the call, because it was through Keith’s injury,” he said.
“But I can’t worry about that too much.
“This was my chance to stake a claim in the first team, and I’d like to think I’ve done a pretty good job at it.
“Personally, I was pleased with how it went, although I know it’s what Nathan (Brown) thinks that’s the key.
“But I thought I did everything he wanted me to do when I came off the bench.
“He said he wanted me to run hard and tackle hard, and that’s what I tried to do.
“And I have to admit the start wasn’t too bad, was it?
“It’s not everyone who can say they scored off their first touch of the ball in a game, and I was pleased with the effort as well.
Click below for match photos.
“When I got the ball I had about 40m to go to the line, but I’ve always tried to back myself, and I just went for it.
“Fortunately, everything went how I wanted, and it did my confidence the power of good for the rest of the game.”
