Oli Roberts probably doesn’t see the funny side of it.
But the number of failed attempts the 20-year-old has made at making his Giants debut has now become something of a joke.
Even head coach Paul Anderson tried to make light of it by suggesting earlier this week following the postponement of Sunday’s trial clash at Halifax that Roberts was destined never to be play for the club!
It’s a comment that Roberts’ boss has since regretted making. Anderson remains 100% confident that the young back-row forward will eventually go on to be a prize Giants asset.
“That probably wasn’t the correct phrase to use, but you know where I was coming from,” conceded the coach. “As far as I’m concerned, he’s going to be a great player for Huddersfield Giants going forward.”
And Anderson’s quip did certainly sum up what continues to be a tale of frustration for the former Bradford Bulls player, who has now had to wait over 12 months to wear the claret and gold for the first time.
All being well that wait will finally end this weekend, with Roberts pencilled in to play in Sunday’s pre-season clash at Super League rivals Hull KR – although the man himself is taking nothing for granted.
“All this week I’ve been touching wood, keeping my fingers crossed and just praying it goes ahead,” said Roberts.
“This past 12 months has been really hard. The year has been all about being so near and yet so far, and the game against Halifax being called off last weekend just seemed to sum everything up.
“It was a horrible, horrible feeling when I found out. I’ve lost count of the number of times when I felt this might be my week to finally make my Giants debut, and it was a case of ‘here we go again’ last weekend.
Take a look at last year's games in pictures below
“To be honest, it has become a bit of a joke.
“But, at the same time, the players and the coaching staff have been brilliant. They sympathise with me 100% and the encouragement they give me is fantastic, they’re always there to pick me up when it gets to me a bit.
“And I know that if I do keep training hard and focus on what I’m doing, my time will eventually come. It’s just that I’ve had to be a lot more patient than everyone else.”
Roberts has been told he’ll be involved against Hull KR and has conceded that the build-up to the game will be an anxious affair.
“Preparing for my debut is a pretty nerve-wracking thought in itself, but I’m also going to be feeling nervous about whether this match will go ahead,” added Roberts.
“Keeping an eye on the weather forecast is something I’ll be doing on a very regular basis. With the way my luck’s gone, it’ll probably be very heavy snow!
“But surely that luck’s got to change soon.
“After a successful European Championship campaign with Ireland and a good pre-season, I know I’ll give a good account of myself if I get the chance.
“I feel fit, fresh and strong and I really am desperate to finally get the chance to show what I can do.”
