JAMIE Shaul admits he still pinches himself after an incredible rise to prominence that has seen him sign a new five-year deal at Hull FC.
The 21-year-old full-back has gone from working as a tradesman and playing for Skirlaugh to being the first name on Hull's team-sheet in the last two years.
And despite playing just 21 senior games for the Black and Whites, he has now agreed a contract that ties him to the KC Stadium until the end of the 2018 Super League season.
Having been offered such a lengthy contract, Shaul says he will take huge confidence from the faith shown in him by coach Lee Radford.
"It's a terrific feeling. I think it's safe to say I am absolutely over the moon right now," he told the Mail.
"Everyone knows I love this club. This is the team I grew up supporting and being part of the squad was a dream come true, now I get to continue that dream for five more years.
"I'm still pinching myself that this is my job. I come to work smiling every day and getting up for training is never a chore because I think back to where I was only two years ago. I dreamed of being in this position, but I never expected it."
With his days of pulling on a Skirlaugh shirt still fresh in the memory, Shaul has promised to stay grounded despite signing a deal that elevates him into an elite bracket of Hull players. Only Tom Briscoe and Danny Houghton have been offered deals as long in the past decade.
Having only signed a two-year contract last year, Shaul wasn't expecting an improved deal with 18 months still to run.
But since taking over the Hull hot seat, Radford has given his full backing to Shaul, who burst onto the scene last year and featured in the Challenge Cup final.
"When I was dropped earlier this season, I probably needed that wake-up call and it was a kick up the backside for me," added Shaul.
"I knew I had to pull my finger out, knuckle down and improve. I think I've done that, but there's still lots to improve on and that's my goal for the next five years, to keep getting better.
"It's great to have that sort of faith shown in you by the club and the coach. It's a huge confidence boost.
"I think we can build something over the next few years with all the young lads coming through together. To be part of that is exciting."
