When Ryan Brierley first made his move to Huddersfield, few would have anticipated the Championship hotshot would find himself playing at full-back.
After years of terrorising defences in the second-tier in his accustomed role at halfback, many predicted the former Leigh ace would continue to do the same in claret and gold.
However, the first four months of Brierley’s Super League career have seen him play predominantly at full-back, a position unfamiliar to the 24-year-old.
Despite that, he has impressed in his maiden year, scoring six tries in his opening 15 appearances, including a stunning hat-trick against Wigan earlier in the season.
Rick Stone’s arrival at the club saw Brierley utilised at number seven in defeat to Saints, before he was moved to full-back in their most recent loss to Warrington.
Speaking to TotalRL, Brierley admitted he would love to cement himself as one of Huddersfield’s lead halfbacks going forward, but for now, he is keen to aid Stone’s transition at the club, and ultimately secure Huddersfield’s Super League survival.
“Of course, I don’t think it is a secret that I see halfback as my strongest position,” he said.
“But I understand and appreciate that I am in a squad blessed with two world-class halfbacks in the shape of Danny Brough and Jamie Ellis who have more experience at this level and have played with each other for a while now.
“I’ve been used mainly at full-back since I’ve been here, and I’m willing to play there if that is what is best for the team and Rick. It’s a new position for me, but it’s a new challenge for me and allows me to learn a new position and understand the game better overall. I’m still learning, but so far I think I’m doing OK. I wouldn’t say I have set the league alight, but I think I have been competitive in every game.
“Going forward I’d like to work my way into playing in the halves on a regular basis, but to do that I have to make sure I’m playing well every week and make the most of my time on the field.”
