GIANTS coach Nathan Brown is confident Scott Grix will develop into a top-quality Super League full-back.
The 26-year-old Ireland RL captain will again start today’s pre-season clash against St Helens at Widnes (3.00) as Huddersfield’s last line of defence.
Grix takes over the No1 shirt from Brett Hodgson, who has moved to Warrington Wolves, and underlined his potential with an excellent all-round performance in the 18-10 home triumph over Hull KR.
And Galpharm chief Brown is backing Grix to lead by example against last season’s beaten Super League Grand Finalists.
“I don’t think anyone at the club was surprised at all with the way Grixy played against Hull KR,” said Brown, who is fielding his strongest available side against an equally strong St Helens.
“For the last few months of last season when we knew Brett would be leaving, Grixy began to shadow him, watching him play and watching him train. He also spoke to him all the time about ways in which he could improve his full-back play, and Brett was only too happy to pass on his knowledge.
“As a result, we’re seeing Grixy start to develop into a quality full-back.
“We always knew at worst he’d be a good, solid player for us, because he’s got good skills, he’s tough and he’s committed.
“But with the way he’s trained throughout pre-season and with the way he went against Hull KR, we’re confident he may be far better than a good, solid player, and that’s a pretty exciting prospect.”
