Backs Coach Matt O’Brien believes ‘resilient’ young fly-half Will Reed will grow from his first team exposure this season and become a star for Dragons RFC.
O’Brien knows Reed better than most having worked with the 22-year-old in the Dragons Academy and also played alongside him for Newport RFC.
And he revealed how pleased he was by Reed’s attitude in the win over Oyonnax on a night when kicking proved difficult in blustery conditions at Rodney Parade.
“The great thing about Will is that he’s really resilient,” said O’Brien.
“One thing I like about him at outside-half, is that things are going to go wrong at times – we’ve all been there – and the worst thing you can do is go missing in a game. But Will continues to step up.
“Obviously, he made a few errors against Oyonnax in the conditions, but he’s a youngster who due to injuries is playing 80 minutes every week and learning every week.
“He’s a great young player, he’s got lots of developing still to do, but he’s very resilient and the fact that he’ll keep stepping up even after a few knocks and a few mistakes is a real positive sign.”
With a sizeable injury list, Head Coach Dai Flanagan has turned to youth with Wales Under-20s star Ryan Woodman also featuring prominently in recent weeks.
“It’s a great opportunity for the youngsters,” added O’Brien.
“I’ve obviously worked with a lot of them coming through the academy over the last five or six years, and it’s great that they’re getting a chance to play.
“They’re probably playing a little bit more than we’d like in an ideal world, but we’ve got a lot of young talent in the region and it’s great that they’re getting the chance to perform at a really high level.
“Some of our best performers have been the younger guys,” he added.
“They go in with no fear and it’s an unbelievable opportunity for the likes of Will and Ryan Woodman. “Youngsters are desperate to play and they’re keen to impress.”
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One thing I like about him at outside-half, is that things are going to go wrong at times – we’ve all been there – and the worst thing you can do is go missing in a game. But Will continues to step up.
