PAUL MCSHANE is pleased to see rising star Cody Hunter given a chance to showcase himself in Super League with York Knights.
The 24-year-old began the season with partners Newcastle Thunder, but is now making a name for himself in a breakthrough top-flight campaign.
Australian Hunter bagged 11 tries in as many appearances for new-look Newcastle, whilst he has scored three tries and 20 goals in 10 games for tenth-placed York.
He has formed a formidable partnership with veteran McShane in the halves over recent weeks, coinciding with an upturn in form that has seen the Knights claim three straight top-flight wins.
And McShane has been impressed with what he has seen from the former Sunshine Coast Falcons talent, who had a hand in most of the club’s tries in their 20-16 win over Hull FC on Thursday.
“He’s a fairly confident kid is Cody,” he told League Express and totalrl.com.
“I think what he did at the start of the year with Newcastle, he was absolutely outstanding and deserves a shot in the team.
“He’s keeping his place in the team at the minute, and if he is building some confidence playing at the side of a more senior bloke, I’m doing my job right.”
Applegarth’s decision to partner McShane and Hunter in the halves has left no place for Liam Harris, the Knights’ skipper having not played since last month’s demolition by Wigan.
It’s a move that has perhaps offered more freedom for Hunter to showcase not only his kicking game, but also his fancy footwork and strength close to the line.
“I just see my role there to steady the ship a little bit,” McShane explained of his switch from hooker to halfback.
“I’ve played the game for long enough now to probably give Cody or Liam that little bit of freedom to play their natural game, because on their day, they’re great runners and great kickers of the ball.
“If it just takes me to do the little simple things well and free them up, that’s what I’ll do.”