Huddersfield Giants coach Paul Anderson believes that new signing Ryan Brierley has “surprised a few people” with how he’s adjusted to the demands of Super League.
Brierley, who recently joined the Giants on a long-term deal from Leigh Centurions, has played four games – one at half-back, three at fullback – in Super League and although the club are going through some difficult form and sitting bottom of the table, Anderson believes Brierley is improving every week.
He insisted that what he gives to the Giants in the longer term will be hugely significant, but says that he’s loved what he’s seen from the youngster so far in his first month as a Super League player.
“He’s played four games in two weeks, and he’s done more games than he has training sessions,” he told TotalRL.
“It’s a credit to him that he’s genuinely got better every time he’s played, and he’s got something big to offer this club going forward.
“We’ll get some work into him now Easter is out of the way, and I think he’s surprised a few people with how he’s handled the step up.”
The Giants face league leaders Warrington on Friday night looking to finally move off the Super League summit, but Anderson conceded he will again have to make changes to his side.
Gene Ormsby is ineligible against his parent club, whilst two of his key forwards will also be missing.
“There’ll be a couple of changes,” Anderson said.
“Eorl (Crabtree) won’t play as he’s got an issue with his abdomen that we need to get tidied up. He struggled in his little spells and he never went back after half-time, which put pressure on other people.
“Larne Patrick has got an illness so he’ll be unavailable – and with Gene, that’s three changes.
“JJ (Josh Johnson) and Nathan Mason will play, as will Oliver Roberts and Kruise Leeming, and we get another chance to see the future of this club.”
