He only passes after he breaks the line, as does Tomkins. So who is going to direct the team around? They play stand off at their respective clubs for a good reason.

The lad is a class act and a very exciting prospect.

It says a lot about our strength in depth in the country when he is maybe going to be selected as first choice #7 when he has only just about cemented a starting shirt at his club.

I hope he goes well against the Australians but it could be a sharp learning curve.

The thing about Tomkins this season is that I don't think he's proven anything about himself as a half back. He's just a destructive broken field runner. He's not got an outstanding kicking game, his passing isn't noticable and he doesn't seem to organise either. He's an elusive runner but has he got the rest?

The test arena against Australia is a big ask for him IMO.

I agree, but what are the options. Do we go with McGuire and Sinfield and O'Louhlin at loose forward.


I honestly (after watching Sam for over four years) don't think he'll let us down, but I do worry that if he doesn't score a match winning hat trick then I expect some will take great delight in putting him down.

TBH, I wouldn't mind seeing Tomkins coming on from the subs bench.

I've said this many times before I'll support England / GB even if we have 17 Saints players.

I just think its putting a lot on a young lads shoulders. He could be eased in but I think he will be going straight off the top board into the deep end. The main reason is he probably is the best in that position despite his lack of experience overall and that was my point really non of the other options are attractive.

I think you might be correct with his general organising which is where we have missed Barrett big time this year, Barrett and Tomkins as a combination could have been lethal. But his organisation skills will probably come in his development. His kicking game is very good IMO and a strong aspect of his game that will continue to develop, he's kicked a couple of 40/20's this year and his short kicking into the in goal is superb, we've pampered a few teams this year with them such as yourselves. Had we another organising 7 we may have been abit more clinical which is were we have fallen slightly, I think he's got more than just being a runner. He's also pretty good defensivly to and isn't scared of taking a big hit like some other younger players who go into hiding, he gets straight back up and doesn't make a fuss, he just wants to play.