Dream Team: Tyson Lewis – Doncaster wing
2. Jamie George – I came through at Southend and he came to play with us when he was in the Saracens academy. His abilities were obvious and a few years later he’s playing for England.
3. Tomas Francis – Played at Donny when he was trying to find his way and now he’s starting for Wales and Exeter. Incredible rise!
4. Ian Evans – Good at the lineout and very hard working. You don’t always notice what he does, or gets away with, but when you see it on the video you understand why he’s a British & Irish Lion.
5. Matt Challinor – Epitomises what a bruising forward is. Never takes a backward step and will work all day for you. Injured or not he’s ready to pull on the Knights shirt.
6. Marco Mama – I know his older brother Dante so I know how hard he works and it’s great to see him get that shot with Worcester. He improved a lot last season and it showed in the final when he went back to Bristol.
7. Steffon Armitage – Another who proves what hard work can do. From where he started to where he is now is incredible. Told he was too small but proved everyone wrong.
8. Ollie Stedman – The most naturally gifted No.8 I know. He can pass and kick as well as any back but can also do the forward duties very well.
9. Riki Tipuna – He never stops talking. Everyone knows where they should be, what they need to do and when to do it. If you don’t, you’ll know about it!
10. Jimmy Gopperth – I played against him when he was at Newcastle and he was heads and shoulders above everyone on or off the ball. A true talent.
11. Christian Wade – I met him on the Sevens circuit when he was younger. Always makes something happen with his electric pace and footwork.
12. Piers Francis – Another Francis who was at Donny learning his trade and you could tell he was destined for great things. A workaholic now starting for the Blues in Super Rugby.
13. Henry Slade – I played with him a little when I was at Plymouth. He was very young but he was never fazed by anything and never got downbeat when things didn’t go his way. Done brilliantly since.
14. Chris Ashton – Another one from the Sevens circuit and he always made things happen. He was scoring tries for fun then and he still does now.
15. Delon Armitage – People think he’s got a chip on his shoulder but he’s very humble. A true competitor who always tries his best. One of the best out there.
