Interim Head Coach Filo Tiatia acknowledges he faces selection decisions of the best kind ahead of the Boxing Day derby with Cardiff Rugby after impressive performances from Academy talents during back-to-back EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures.
Player-of-the-match against Newcastle, Huw Anderson, impressed on his first start for the club and will be hoping for a spot in the match day squad in what would be a first-ever appearance for Dragons’ senior side at Rodney Parade.
Meanwhile, debutant Nick Thomas will be looking for a place alongside Senior Academy players Ryan Woodman, Joe Westwood, Che Hope and Morgan Lloyd.
After both George Nott and Steve Cummins were replaced against Newcastle they have been ruled out and with Ben Carter out with a knee injury sustained on Wales duty, it offers an opportunity for the likes of Thomas who impressed on debut off the bench against Newcastle.
“It’s the first time I’ve worked with Nick and he’s been a pleasure to watch,” said Tiatia.
“He’s still young and there’s still physical development that’s needed, but he’s in the framework for the Wales U20s so it’s exciting to see a young man get an opportunity this early.
“The coaches have a lot of faith in him and I’ve been watching him since pre-season and he’s just been growing on me. Great stature, clear on who he is and he’s been really impressive.
“I enjoyed his debut song on the bus, sung with confidence and gusto which shows he’s confident in his own skin. He’s learning all the time and loves the game so that’s been good.”
Tiatia has confirmed back row Harrison Keddie is unavailable for selection for the derby, however, with Dragons’ strength in depth there including British and Irish Lion Dan Lydiate, as well as internationals Aaron Wainwright, Taine Basham and Shane Lewis-Hughes, plus former Wales Under-20s captain Ryan Woodman, there will be plenty of difficult selection decisions to be made.
The coaches have a lot of faith in him and I’ve been watching him since pre-season and he’s just been growing on me. Great stature, clear on who he is and he’s been really impressive...
