HULL KR: Beaumont wants to follow Welham into first team (video)

RICH Beaumont believes he can follow Kris Welham into Justin Morgan's selection plans after signing his first professional contract at Rovers.

The 21-year-old prop is the latest graduate to come through the youth system at Craven Park and he intends to make the most of his one year deal to earn a longer contract next time.

Ever since joining Rovers six years ago, Beaumont has worked hard to fulfil his dream of representing the club he supported as a boy.

Like Welham, Beaumont will get his chance sooner or later and he insists he's ready when Morgan gives him the nod.

"I'll be ready when my chance comes a long," Beaumont told the Mail.

"Justin has the faith to put me on a full time contract and I want to repay that faith.

"It's what I've always wanted.

"To watch Rovers as a kid and then to pull that red shirt on is going to be very special.

"It's like Kris Welham, I was playing with him a couple of years ago and now he has a full season under his belt. "Hopefully I can do the same. It's great, it's what I've always wanted since joining Rovers on a scholarship.

"I've worked hard for it and I'm chuffed I've got it."

Beaumont knows the hard work is about to start.

On Monday expectations levels on him will increase.

He will feature a lot in the five friendlies Rovers plan to have.

Impressive performances in those could take him a step closer to that coveted Super League debut.

Beaumont plans to pick the brains of captain Mick Vella every minute he is training.

"Mick has told me it's all about total commitment," said Beaumont.

"It's also about working hard in the gym and on the field and the rewards will come.

"It's up to me to get my head down and train hard with Mick David Mills and Rhys Lovegrove.

"I need to get some experience under my belt and hopefully get a shot next year.

"I'll be giving it my all in the friendlies and then fight for a spot for the opening game of the season.

"If I get my head down in pre-season I want to be fighting for a place in the squad straight away."

Beaumont won't have long to wait before he takes part in his first training session as a Rovers professional.

Monday he and the rest of the younger members of the squad return to training and the hours cannot pass quick enough for the ball playing prop.

"I can't wait to start pre-season on Monday," he said.

"I've been doing my own training but I just want to get in and start training for real with the other lads."