HULL KR : Morgan wants more youth success

HULL KR coach Justin Morgan hopes more of his young troops follow the example of Kris Welham and force their way into his selection plans for the first game of the season.

Welham, 22, was Super League's surprise package last year after impressing Morgan in pre-season.

The centre went on to play in all 32 games Rovers played last season and Morgan hopes he can be an inspiration to others this year.

"I want all the young players to have a hand in our forthcoming season," Morgan told the Mail.

"The young players have looked good in training this week.

"I'd love to see two or three of them do what Kris Welham did and come through into the first team.

"Hopefully one or two will.

"I expect big things from all the young players and I have told them that.

"This time last year there was a couple of kids knocking on the door and Kris took his chance."

Rovers have relied on experienced players to get them into Super league and into the top four.

Last season they had five players 30 and older, but they released Nick Fozzard (32), Stanley Gene (35) and Makali Aizue (31).

They have been replaced by youngsters Matt Cook (22), Michael Ratu (22) and Josh Hodgson (20).

Between them they have 70 Super League appearances and Morgan is happy his young players have some Super League experience to take into the season.

"One thing I am pleased with about our squad is the experience we now have at the younger end of our squad," he said.

"Chas I'Anson and Scott Wheeldon played a lot of games last season and will be better for the experience.

"Along with the three new boys, I expect Liam Watts, Scott Spaven, Scott Taylor to develop more next season.

"And the same applies to Frankie mariano and Rich Beaumont who signed professional contracts last week."