IF ever proof were needed that Giants coach Nathan Brown has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, it was the selection of Keal Carlile at hooker against Warrington Wolves.

The 20-year-old was regarded by many as a shock selection for a starting spot for such a big game.

Carlile was given the nod ahead of England hooker Shaun Lunt and former New Zealand international David Faiumu, who were both on the bench for Huddersfield’s opening Super League XVI clash of the season at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium as part of the Magic Weekend.

But the youngster rose magnificently to the challenge, slotting seamlessly into the senior side and grabbing the Giants’ opening try in the impressive 28-18 triumph.

As a result, he has kept his place for tonight’s trip to Castleford Tigers (6.00), meaning he gets the nod over several far more experienced Super League campaigners.

Those include Larne Patrick, who is again in line to be 18th man, and back-row forwards Andy Raleigh and Danny Kirmond, who missed out on a place in the 19-man squad for the trip to South Wales.

On top of that, Huddersfield can also now call on the services of this week’s new signing from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Dale Ferguson, and Australian NRL centre Jamie Simpson, who arrived on these shores last week following his move from South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Galpharm chief Brown has also made it clear that strong pre-season performances mean former Wigan second-rower Jon Molloy and ex-Bradford Bulls centre Joe Wardle are two youngsters closing in on Super League calls.

And, finally, it’s hoped England Four Nations hero Luke Robinson could be back in action in around a month following major elbow and shoulder surgery, although if the Giants continue winning in his absence his return could be delayed for a few more weeks to ensure he’s definitely 100% fit.

Robinson’s return could, of course, bring Carlile’s run at hooker to an end.

But Brown is hoping that when that moment to make the choice finally arrives, it’ll be one of the hardest he’s ever made.

In fact, the head coach is hoping that’s just one of a number of tough decisions he’ll soon be facing.

“We do look to be in a pretty strong position at the moment, and long may that continue!” said Brown.

“I’ve made no secret of my desire to have a ‘thicker’ squad and that’s what we have now.

“Our top squad (the first-choice 13) looks good, while the quality of players below that has improved significantly, with the youngsters now of a higher standard than they’ve ever been.

“And Keal showed with the way he played against Warrington how far the players have advanced.

“This was the first time he’d started a Super League, but he looked as if he’d been doing it for an age.

“I suppose his selection may have come as a shock to some, but it was a selection that was thoroughly deserved.

“He’s had a great pre-season and he took that into the trial games, when I thought he was very good, so to us he was a natural choice.

“We did, of course, have several options to us, and I felt it worked well last week with Keal starting the game and then Lunty coming off the bench to take over at nine.

“On top of that, Keal’s a genuine hooker, whereas David Faiumu isn’t, so that’s another reason why we set up the side as we did.

“Fuey’s a much better loose-forward or middle-type person in the second row, and that’s how we intend to use him this season.

“We’re now blessed to have three very good Super League hookers in our squad in Keal, Lunty and Robbo and, further down the line, choosing who to use and when isn’t going to be easy.

“It’s a great position to be in, particularly as we’ve got good cover in so many other areas, too. Hopefully, we’ll reap the benefits later in the season.”

Brown has also revealed how perplexed he was that Co-operative Championship clubs were last season unwilling to take Carlile on loan from the Giants.

“For the life of me, I just couldn’t understand why clubs were so reluctant to take him,” added Brown.

“I know coaches are all different, but I would have been delighted to have been offered someone of Keal’s ability.

“Last season, we knew how good he was and he’s shown in one game this year that he’s a good Super League player, and the more games he plays at this level, the better he’ll get.”