Rick Stone is looking for Oliver Roberts to continue his rapid rise up the Huddersfield Giants’ first-team ladder.
After failing to earn a senior call last season following his move from Bradford Bulls, the 21-year-old back-row forward has been a virtual ever-present this season and has featured in all five fixtures under new coach Stone.
Irish international Roberts is again expected to figure in next Friday’s home clash against London Broncos as the Giants look to make it three Middle 8s triumphs on the trot.
And Stone knows his rising star won’t let him down.
“I’ve been impressed with Oli from the word go,” said the experienced Australian boss.
“He looked good in my first game here against St Helens and he’s continuing to build on that.
“Every week Oli’s getting a bit more gametime and he’s had to fill in on the edge in the second-row a couple of times when Bruno (Michael Lawrence) has moved out to the centres, and he’s filled in exceptionally well.
“There’s no doubt he’s growing in stature and in confidence, and his involvement is becoming more positive with every game he plays.
“We just hope he continues to keep going, because his influence on this team is growing all the time. It’s great to see.”
