Didn't Tom resist going to the NRL so he could play more 1st team rugby?



I agree he's a work in progress, but I can't see any problem using him as an impact prop.



I'd be happy to give him more 1st team games

Hopefully one day we'll have Tom, George and Sam at the Bulls...Maybe even Luke...



They are all young enough to form what would be an awesome quartet of front rowers in years to come..

Front rowers mature later for a reason.



Throw a prop in too much too early, and (amongst other things) he can suffer serious long-term damage.



In a discussion Mission and I had with a couple of the coaching staff last year this question (of props making an impact at a very early age) cropped up. As did the issue of big hits and especially effective use of the shoulder. They pointed out that one particular young prop prodigy had sure been making a name for himself in that department. They also pointed out that the same lad had already had to have significant shoulder surgery, and they expressed concern for the effect on the length of his playing career if he continued in (crowd-pleasing) like vein.



ATEOTD the team should be picked on form. And one way to heighten form and minimise injuries is to rotate your props week on week. This I would expect Potter to do, if and when he finally has enough props to do that effectively with. So I would be confident of Tom getting a fair share of game time. But, at his age, no more than is safe for him - and for us.

Why bring Donno into it?

Despite what you said before it seems very personal, you [iabsolutely[/i certain he didn't get your sister pregnant??

Because he was described potentially as the best player in the world, which in turn would make him the best forward in SL. Just thought the OP might be confusing the two. Seems like you want him to get you pregnant. Oh well.

I saw you sneak some "reasonable " words in after your initial post!

Quite. At 18 you aren't physiqally mature enough to withstand the demands of contact sport at such a high level. Give him a taste in short spells and bring him through slowly. Should be another couple of years before he is a regular first 17 pick.



You only have to look at the likes of Civoniceva and Menzies to see how long forwards can play if they are taken care of.

JP is 33, past his best & still captaining England.

Not sure what point you are making, but JP was a late-developer and made his SL debut at 22 (and started anyway in the second row), and which sort of helps prove the point?

TBH I'm not sure myself. But the point stands.

Book mark material...

Don't get me wrong, I fully appreciate bringing these young lads through slowly. Playing devils advocate here, we could wrap him in cotton wool for two seasons, play him at 'full strength' for one season and then lose him to another club.

The lad's obviously good enough, and let's be honest we havn't the luxury of holding back players in favour of seasoned pro's.



Live for the now.