Best Premiership newcomer?

[Patchey]

We’ve had over a month of the Premiership now and its almost time for the first rounds of the European competitions. So far I’ve been really impressed by some of the Premiership ‘newbies’, either young players who are just breaking through into the senior set up or player coming up from the Championship/in from abroad. For me the top three are probably;

Dom Barrow – Won the JWC during the summer before moving to Newcastle. Seems to have turned out to be a very wise move for both parties. Barrrow is getting a load of game time and is in great form. Watching Newcastle games it is very rare for them to go through more than a couple of phases without him popping up and doing good work. Obviously from Newcastle’s point of view they’ve got a really promising young lock (and a big one at that) who has yet to show any sign being out of his depth in the top flight.

Guy Thompson – I think a lot of people, myself included, were a bit dubious about Thompson signing for Wasps despite his great record with Jersey. He’s dispelled most of my doubts with his performances this season, one of the stand out back rows so far.

Sam Dickinson – I guess he isn’t so much of a newcomer but injury has stopped him playing much previously. Do I have to explain why he’s here? Thought not.


That’s my top three, all forwards because they are obviously the superior breed of rugby player. What do you guys think?

 

[ratsapprentice]

Sam Dickinson - If this is how the guy always plays, then wow.

Sam Hill - Looking like a player that Exeter will be able to build a backline around.

Leroy Houston - The guy has been exactly what Bath needed - a toiling 8.

 

[Patchey]

Dickinson for England? Or is that a bit premature?

 

[j'nuh]

Yes, because even if Morgan is pants atm, Binny deserves the shirt.

Also, if it wasn't a one-off and Ewers is actually that good, he could be up for the challenge too.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

If I had to pick between Binny and Dickinson tomorrow I think I'd go for Dickinson.
Smarter player than Binny, don't lose that much on the carrying, overall defence is probably a bit better, and also a good option at the lineout (both on your own and the oppositions throwing).
Would take both over Morgan in a heartbeat, though. I'm wondering (/hoping) whether Dickinson might get the call to replace Croft, especially with Binny playing a bit of 6 for Sarries (so could cover there from the bench if there was an injury).


Anywhooooo....back on topic
Think Michael Paterson has been an excellent signing for us, Dickinson at Saints is top notch and Ewers impressed me massively vs Gloucester (he's not technically really really new, but this is his first proper season at Chiefs after being on dual registration previously).

 

[ratsapprentice]

If Dickinson can keep playing like he has until the AI break then I can't see any reason why he shouldn't be called up to cover Croft.

 

[Patchey]

Well according to Lancasters comments at the England kit launch (posted by Rats on the England EOYT thread) Dickinson seems likely to make the Saxons at least.