ACADEMY PRODUCT MCINTOSH SAYS YOUTH SYSTEM IS A HUGE BONUS FOR THE GIANTS

youth ranks this term.

“I have made about 22 or 23 appearances if you count the Challenge Cup, and I really didn’t expect to play that many games at all,” said McIntosh.

“Really I have just played the matches as they have come along, so I really didn’t realise I had been involved in so many games.

“But it has been good this season for the younger players at the club, who have been given their chance this year.

“The likes of Sam Wood, Tyler Dickinson and others have all been grafting in the Academy for the past two years, we have all had a good pre-season working with the first team and we are all really happy to just get the chance to show what we can do.

“There is a lot of talent at the club and if you look at the group following us in the Academy you have players like Matty English, Izaac Farrell, John-Luke Kirby and others who are all coming through the system.

“It is a great environment for the youngsters because they can see that if you work hard you can make it all the way – I think it is really exciting for the club.”

McIntosh received another boost during the week when he was nominated for the Albert Goldthorpe Rookie of the Year award.

“The nomination for the award was very welcome, and I was very surprised as I didn’t have a clue about it,” said McIntosh.

“I am over the moon to be up for it, as a player you do set yourself individual goals to achieve, but with this being my first season it really is a surprise.

“Just getting in the Giants team has been great, and having done so, just showing what I could do and proving myself has been the aim.

“I have had a good reaction from the coaches and getting the recognition of being in the team has been all I wanted – so to get something on top of that has got me absolutely buzzing.”