Danny Houghton makes Denive Balmforth comparison as he tips youngster for bright future

Danny Houghton believes young hooker Denive Balmforth could have a bright future ahead of him after making his senior debut last month. Balmforth only joined the Black and Whites from Warrington Wolves in March, but after shining in the academy and reserves sides under Michael Shenton, he was given the nod to represent the first-team against Toulouse Olympique by Brett Hodgson.

He didn’t take long to make an impression, either, scoring a try just a few minutes after stepping off the bench against the French side. Balmforth hasn’t been seen in the senior side since, but, he’ll be itching for another taste of Super League action and Houghton is backing the youngster to go on and make a name for himself.

“He looks like he’s too good for that academy league and he showed he can hold his own at this level when he came on against Toulouse,” Houghton said. “It was a little bit of a surprise really, he’s not been in and around the place for too long before making his debut, but it shows what type of a kid he is and what confidence Hodge has in him.

“He’s a good kid, he’s quiet but they’re always the best when they keep themselves to themselves and get about their business. He reminds me of Keiron Cunningham, they’re the same build and I don’t want to put too much pressure on him saying that, it’s just his figure.

“It looks like he could have a bright future.”

Asked whether Balmforth has come to him for advice this year, Houghton, who made his 400 th appearance for his hometown club on Saturday, added: “Not really, during training if there’s anything for him then we’ll pick him up and give him a little bit of information and support in what he could have maybe done. He’s same as the other two (Jordan Johnstone and Joe Lovodua),