HULL KR: Mariano made up by one-year pro' deal (video)

WHEN Frankie Mariano played against Sheffield Eagles in the Challenge Cup in June, he knew he would have to work hard to win a Super League contract.

Now, all that blood sweat and tears have paid off after the 22-year-old put pen to paper on a one-year deal at Craven Park.

Mariano has come a long way since watching Rovers in the east stand every Sunday after playing his matches for Embassy Longhill.

And he intends to repay Rovers for giving him the chance to play for the team he loves.

"A Super League contract is what I've been working so hard for," Mariano said

"After playing, I'd come and stand in the east stand to cheer the players on.

"Playing against Sheffield in the Challenge Cup was a fantastic day.

"All the players made me feel at home and introduced me to the game really well.

"I played as hard as I could to prove I was good enough to Justin.

"I definitely want more first-team action."

Mariano, who can play either centre or second row, admits that first game at Sheffield shaped his outlook towards rugby when he returned to play for the reserves.

"My attitude towards the game changed after facing Sheffield," said Mariano, who was the reserve team player of the year in 2008.

"I found myself helping the younger players that were coming up through the system.

"I felt I had to be a leader to them because I had played for the first team.

"That made me a better player."

The signings of Mariano and Rich Beaumont highlight Rovers' plan to build their squad around the best young British talent.

And Rovers coach Justin Morgan is delighted to have the pair on board for the club's fourth season in Super League.

"Both Frankie and Richard are good, young, home-grown players and they've earned their places in the first-team squad with some impressive reserve performances," he said.