With the season several games old, injury has delayed him but a good showing at training since returning to fitness has earned him a place on the Thunder bench.

It's a doubly notable achievement, as Kinloch is in fact an U15 playing up a year but it is nothing new to the young full back.

One of the first to join the club at his age group four years ago, Kinloch has spent as many seasons playing up a year as at his true age.

It is notable on his part given his stature that was always generally smaller than those around him, but he more than made up for it with his spirit.

Well liked around the club, with both his parents also volunteering over the years, it is his heart of a lion approach to playing that has earned him numerous plaudits over the years.

Twice he has featured in the club-wide Team of the Year, a group that has yielded four junior internationals in the last three years, and a much coveted Players' Player of the Year.

"We are really excited to see Benji make his debut. He will be a great asset to Thunder as he puts his body on the line like no one else" said Rockets Chairman, Jeff Ball.

"We knew from early on, Benji had a spark. He has great technique as a defender but likewise in attack, he's got the skills to unlock even the meanest defence.

Full credit to him for taking the opportunities given to him, his coaches for developing him, and his family for supporting him.

To be making your debut with eight of your clubmates will I'm sure add to the occasion. And to be doing a proper away match down in London will be a good experience for him and an insight into the professional game.

I have no doubt it will be the first step of many into that world for him and we'll be hoping for another Thunder Academy win.”

Newcastle Thunder Scholarship U16s take on London Broncos in London with a 2pm kick off. Follow the match live on the Thunder Twitter accounts.