HULL KR coach Chris Chester believes Sonny Esslemont will return to Rovers a better player as a result of playing in the European Championship.
Esslemont started at loose-forward for Scotland in their 42-18 win over Wales to get their tournament up and running with a resounding victory.
The 20-year-old, who spent most of the season helping Gateshead qualify for their first ever play-offs, is likely to keep his place in the side as they face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday in a game which could determine who plays against England, New Zealand and Australia in the 2016 Four Nations.
A win for Scotland will put them in pole position ahead of their third and final game against France at Netherdale, Galashiels.
Ireland go into Saturday's crunch match having beaten pre-tournament favourites France 22-12.
Chester, a former assistant coach for the Scotland national side, knows Esslemont is playing against top players in the tournament which will serve him well at Rovers next season.
"Sonny will get a lot out of this tournament. He is playing in a good Scotland team against quality players," Chester told the Mail.
"Gateshead play in a good competitive league, but it's not as strong or as good as playing international rugby.
"His confidence will definitely grow with this tournament and that will only benefit us next year.
"He will come back to pre-season training a much better player without any doubt. Sonny will toughen up playing against the calibre of players he is.
"There is a lot riding on the outcome of this tournament with a place in the Four Nations at stake."
Chester is delighted Esslemont has been rewarded for the hard work he has put in over the last couple of seasons.
Esslemont has only played once for Rovers, coming off the bench in the 32-14 home defeat to Catalans Dragons at the start of September – so to start for Scotland before starting a game for his club is something Chester says he can be proud of.
"I was very pleased with his performance in the win over Wales," Chester said.
"I spoke to Dave Rotherham who was just as happy with how he did on his international debut.
"Sonny has worked very hard over the last season or so.
"It will be a massive job for him to force his way into my 17-man squad every week because of the quality players we have at the club.
"I hope he is ready to fight for his place after representing his country.
"He has been one of our stand-out performers in the academy in recent years.
"There was nobody happier than me when he earned his first professional contract.
"What happens next is up to Sonny."
