GEORGE Griffin hopes he has done enough in Hull KR's three pre-season friendlies to earn a spot against Catalan in their season opener.
Griffin has been a revelation so far this year in all three hit-outs and has his eye on a place in Craig Sandercock's first 17-man squad of the campaign.
Griffin saved his best for last against Hull at the KC Stadium on Sunday to help Rovers to a 28-18 win.
With doubts over first choice second rowers Con Mika (groin) and new signing Cory Paterson (shoulder), Griffin could well have played his way into Sandercock's plans for the February 3 curtain raiser.
"Hopefully, I can be involved against Catalan," Griffin told the Mail.
"If I do play against Catalan, I'll try my best as will everyone else.
"Regardless of injuries, there will always be plenty of competition for spots.
"Everyone played really well against Hull and we'll see what comes off in the next two weeks before the Catalan game.
"We've played well in the pre-season games and we've progressed well as a team.
"Now we're looking forward to the first game of the season."
Griffin puts his transformation down to the coaching he has received from Sandercock and the other coaches at MS3 Craven Park.
The 20-year-old is now in his second season following his transfer from Queanbeyan Kangaroos.
Griffin now feels comfortable in his surroundings and could finally find his niche in the team if Mika and Paterson are sidelined by injuries.
"Some of the lads have said I've come on a lot since last year," Griffin said.
"That's down to the coaching I've received and I've taken it all on board. It's up to me now to put it into my game.
"This is now my second year in the full-time environment and I'm more used to it now and I feel more comfortable.
"Craig has said he has been happy with the way I have been going.
"When we have our individual meetings during the week, I'm sure he'll let me know how I did against Hull."
Griffin admits it took him time to adjust to life back in England, but he felt he wouldn't make it as a Super League player.
"I never doubted my ability," Griffin said.
"I'm still a young lad and, during my first year at full-time level, I needed to get my head down and I'm glad I've progressed.
"It's very satisfying to see my game develop the way it has since I've been at the club.
"I wasn't playing at the level I wanted to be last year.
"But this year I already feel I have come on a lot.
"I still have a lot more to improve on but hopefully I can do it.
"My fitness levels have taken me on a bit more than my size.
"I'm pretty happy with the way I'm going at the moment and I just have to push on more."
