LARNE PATRICK has set his sights on filling the front-row hole left by the departure of Giants props Paul Jackson and Danny Sculthorpe.

The 21-year-old made a name for himself as a second-row forward earlier in his career and represented England Academy in that position.

But with head coach Nathan Brown admitting he’s a little light up front and may struggle to find a new replacement, Patrick is standing by and ready to make a move.

“I played at prop a few times last season and enjoyed it,” he said.

“It’s a big goal for me to try and fill the boots of Paul and Danny, but hopefully I can achieve it.

“By training hard and impressing in the friendlies, I’m hoping to earn a regular place in the side, although I know it’s not going to be easy.

“The first few sessions have shown how tough it’s going to be, but ‘Bumper’ (Mark Andrews) is a great conditioner and I’m sure what he does for us will help.

“I can learn from any player at the club, even if it is the full-back or winger, because they have been around and know what the game is about.

“But, at the end of the day, I want to be seen as someone who Nathan can rely on to do a job in the front row. That’s a target I’ve set myself.”

Patrick arrived at the Giants a year ago as a virtual unknown, having spent the previous season playing in Australia.

He made his Super League debut in the win at Castleford in March and went on to make eight senior appearances and scored two tries.