Thursday 22 March 2018 06:51, UK
Salford Red Devils' Derrell Olpherts is set to make his Super League debut at the age of 26, live on Sky Sports Arena.
Olpherts was signed by Salford in July ahead of the 2018 season, making the step up from League One to rugby league's top flight after spells with Hemel Stags and Newcastle Thunder.
Unfortunately for the Wakefield-born man, opportunities have proved hard to come by in Super League thus far, but Red Devils coach Ian Watson has announced Olpherts will be granted his long-awaited debut when they visit Widnes Vikings on Thursday evening.
"He'll be getting his debut tomorrow, so that's a big one for us and a big one for Derrell as well," Watson said.
"We're looking forward to it because we've put quite a lot of work into him, and he's doing things really well at the moment."
Injuries in the outside backs department has presented Olpherts with an opportunity to stake a major claim in the starting 13, and Watson has backed him to do so.
"He's not a young lad, but he's young in terms of Super League experience," said Watson.
"With the maturity he's shown in the off season and during the season waiting for his chance and working hard, I think he'll come in and take it with both hands."
Watson's side currently sit third bottom in Super League after six games. If Salford are to claim a win at the Halton Stadium, it would be their first away victory in 10 months.
They could also collect back-to-back wins for the first time since May, something which could ease their relegation fears.
"The Championship is a tough, strong competition this year," said Watson, whose side needed to win the Million-Pound Game in 2016 to preserve their Super League status.
"Getting into the eight is a big target of ours. We want to build some momentum and become that consistent top-eight club so players want to come here."
