Hull KR star Tyrone May believes that exciting prospect Jack Charles can become the club’s long-term half-back.
Charles has made just one appearance since making the controversial switch from Hull FC, with that coming in the Challenge Cup win over amateur side Lock Lane, where he scored twice.
However, he is yet to make his debut for the club in Super League, despite there being many chances this season where an opportunity has arisen.
The week before the Challenge Cup Final, May was rested, but Willie Peters opted to use Ryan Hampshire at seven, partnering Mikey Lewis in the hefty win over a weakened Wigan side.
Mikey Lewis missed last week’s game against Hull FC due to suspension, and will miss another three matches, including this week’s home tie against Bradford Bulls.
Again though, Peters has opted to go with experience over youth, with Arthur Mourgue getting the nod last week and Hampshire being recalled this week.
Despite that, May revealed that Charles’ confidence hasn’t been dented, and praised the 20-year-old’s development and mindset during his time at Craven Park.
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He told Serious About Rugby League: “I think he’s been really good. Ever since I’ve come in here, he’s willing to ask questions and just ask for a bit of help around a few things.
“That was kind of new to me because I’ve never, I guess, had a young kid really ask me how I approach things or how I do things, which is refreshing as well. You feel like you’re helping, and then you pay close attention to how he’s going.
“I feel like he’s developing well and can continue to develop because at the end of the day, he’s only young and eventually he’ll get his time.”
After Peters revealed that Mourgue would feature for Lewis last week, he stated that Charles has the potential to be the long-term Hull KR half-back, he just needs to wait his chance.
May agrees with that statement, and compared the youngster’s attitude to that of NRL megastar Nathan Cleary, which is some incredibly high praise for a 20-year-old.
He said: “He definitely works hard enough. Apart from my old mate Nathan Cleary, I’ve never seen a kid stay on the field for longer after sessions.
“It’s going to be tough for him to take, probably not playing as much as he wants to, but he doesn’t put his head down or drag his lip. He still gets out there, he works hard, and that’s the attitude that you want from a young kid.”
