YORK City Knights coach Gary Thornton believes Danny Nicklas has the mental toughness and tactical awareness to make it in Super League with Hull KR.
Nicklas joined Rovers on Monday, just a couple of weeks after the 21-year-old left Hull FC to join Thornton at York.
The half-back, who can also play hooker, has been an important member of the Knights side this season.
And although disappointed, Thornton says he was not surprised when he received a phone call from Nicklas telling him he had signed for Rovers.
"I am disappointed because our agreement was that when he left Hull, he would come to us, but I'm not surprised he's joined a Super League side," Thornton told the Mail.
"He will be a big loss for us because he can play in the pivot roles and also at hooker.
"He certainly made us a better team when he was here, but you would expect that from a player who has come down from Super League.
"He's a likeable character and a good talker who can put his case forward well.
"He has the mental toughness and tactical awareness to do well in Super League.
"His kicking game is very good, but he's not the finished product just yet. If Rovers can develop him like they have done with players in the past, he'll do well."
Thornton admits he knew Nicklas' long-term future lay at a higher level, with his drive and ambition to play at the top.
That desire was evident in 2011 when Nicklas suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage in pre-season, just a year after another knee injury had ended his season prematurely.
Nicklas will be keen to add to his 10 Super League appearances, but may find opportunities hard to come by this season.
Travis Burns and Michael Dobson are KR's first choice half-backs, with Craig Hall a solid replacement.
Rovers also have Josh Hodgson, Keal Carlile and Lincoln Withers sharing hooker duties.
Withers is looking likely to leave at the end of the season, and if Nicklas has been signed for the future, it could spell the end of Carlile's time at the club too.
"I'm not quite sure what opportunities he'll get straight away with the players Rovers have in the positions he can play," Thornton added.
"But he already has a taste of Super League and he wants more."
