Warrington Wolves youngster praised by head coach Daryl Powell

At Magic Weekend last week, youngster Lucas Green sat unused on the substitutes bench as The Wire slipped to defeat against Hull FC.

It was a decision for which Powell received plenty of criticism from supporters but against Huddersfield Giants yesterday, the academy team skipper got plenty of time to show what he could do.

Coming off the bench early, the 18-year-old put in an impressive display and more than held his own at senior level in just his third appearance, making 76 metres from eight carries and completing 13 tackles.

Powell offered no excuse for leaving Green unused last time out even when his side lost Joe Philbin to a shoulder injury.

Now, though, the head coach says the young Yorkshireman has made his case for remaining in the side even when reinforcements start to arrive.

Lucas Green was an unused substitute at Magic Weekend (Image: Mike Boden)

“I’ve got to put faith in the young kids if I put them on the bench.

“He really showed what kind of player he’s going to be. He was really strong, carried well and punched his nose through a few times.

“I was really pleased with him – I thought he was exceptional.

“He’s done really well – he’s playing at a level he hasn’t played at consistently so you see him getting done concentration-wise, but who doesn’t?

“He showed he can handle it and that’s what you want from a young player.

“Physically, he looks like he can handle it which is credit to the conditioners and to himself because he’s a pretty impressive young fella as well.”