MYLES LAWFORD has won plenty of praise for showcasing his improvement, especially in defence, during his first two Super League matches.
The 22-year-old halfback started a top-flight game for the first time as Wakefield won 26-12 at Bradford Bulls on Thursday.
That came five days after he came off the bench at Hull KR for his very first appearance at that level.
In both cases Lawford has been filling in for the injury absence of Mason Lino (calf) and Jack Sinfield (head), with the latter a possible returnee for Friday’s home derby with Castleford Tigers.
Lawford is not short of senior experience, having played five games for Wakefield in his first season there, in 2024 as a Championship club, after his breakthrough at Bradford, then had multiple loan spells including with Halifax Panthers this season.
But Super League is a different challenge and one the pint-sized player has spent some time preparing for.
Wakefield coach Daryl Powell, who played alongside Lawford’s father Dean at Leeds in the late 1990s, said: “He wasn’t expecting this (run).
“I think he was nervous, first when I told him he was on the bench (at Hull KR), and then that he was starting at the place where he came through.
“They are tough things for a young man to do but I think he’s handled it really well.
“He’s improved in lots of areas, especially defensively. He carried the ball and caused some bits of trouble. He kicked for a try, another for a repeat (set), and he defended pretty well.
“There’s also lessons for him – young halves get lessons all the time, because it’s the most complex position to play.”
Team-mate Caius Faatili was also impressed by Lawford, saying: “He came off the bench last week and killed it, playing about 30 minutes and really finishing the game off for us.
“He’s only a small body but he puts his body on the line and makes big tackles, which is awesome to see.
“Whoever puts the Wakey jersey on is putting their hand up and we trust each other.”