RISING prop star Larne Patrick won’t give up his Giants Super League spot without a fight.
The 21-year-old former England Academy ace has made the most of the absence of injured duo Eorl Crabtree (ankle) and Andy Raleigh (neck) and is expected to line up again for the Giants at Castleford Tigers tomorrow (3.30).
Patrick has produced some rock-solid displays over the past few weeks after recovering from a knee injury and a bout of tonsillitis.
But he knows he’ll face a big battle to hold onto his spot once all the club’s senior stars return to full fitness – and he is relishing the challenge.
“This is my first major season in the first team and I’m absolutely loving it,” said Patrick. “I got my initial chance when Keith (Mason) was injured in the opening game, but I couldn’t hold onto a regular place when everyone got their fitness back. I don’t want that to happen again.
“I’ve really enjoyed the last few games back in the first team and feel I’ve contributed well since getting over my injury. It’s given me a lot of confidence ahead of the Cas game tomorrow.
“But I know Eorl and Andy aren’t that far away, and that’s going to make it harder to keep a place.
“As a result, everyone is fighting to stay in the team, and that obviously includes me.
“So I’ve got to do everything I can to make sure the coaching staff don’t have a reason to leave me out. I’m hoping something like that will help bring the best out of me.”
