Daily Mirror

I’m not sure if the Pryce is right now

- JAMIE PEACOCK THE VOICE OF RUGBY LEAGUE

I HAVE no issues with Will Pryce playing in the Betfred Challenge Cup final – he’s more than capable of dealing with what’s to come.

Whether or not the 19-year-old does feature against Wigan today, in what would be his first game back from a 10-match suspension, is another matter.

Although Huddersfie­ld are missing Theo Fages, coach Ian Watson has said Olly Russell is good to go after a hamstring issue, picked up just eight days ago, and he’ll start in the halves with Jack Cogger.

So Pryce (above) could easily miss out. But I always think there has to be room for outstandin­g young talent like him somewhere in your side – and he’d be a great player to have on the bench.

He’s got pedigree and his dad Leon to lean on, so he should be able to handle the circumstan­ces of playing in one of our two major finals.

Yes, it’s always a risk when a player has been out for two-and-a- half months – a third of the season. But I think in life, most of the rewards you gain are through calculated risks that we have to take. Rugby league is no different.

There are often doubts around certain players going into Challenge Cup final week but, as a squad, I always thought it important to know who’s playing where.

And if they’re in a pivotal position, like six, seven and nine, ideally you want them all training there all week.

But Will’s not been injured, so it’s not like he’s unfit. It’s funny how I remember him as a toddler with Leon when we were together at Bradford. It’s happening a lot, there’s Jack Sinfield at Leeds now as well.

It’s players I’ve known as kids who have developed into men and are now playing at Super League level. It’s great to see. It happens so often in rugby league where fathers and sons both play.

It’s good for Leon as well as it keeps him involved in the game.

But whatever Watson (circle, above) decides on his squad make-up, I’m backing Huddersfie­ld to win the Cup for the first time in almost 70 years.

 ?? ??
 ?? ??
 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom