Northampton Saints still in market to find the next Samu Manoa says Dorian West
West expects big things from dual-qualified New Zealander Paterson, who will join from Sale this summer and may yet have a Test future with England after featuring in last summer’s matches against the Barbarians and Crusaders.
Leicester flanker Jamie Gibson and Newcastle prop Kieran Brookes are also heading for Franklin’s Gardens, but Toulon-bound Manoa’s big boots will be difficult to fill.
West told TRP: “We’re really pleased to get Michael, but Samu’s unique and not many players have the variety of skills he has.
“It’s a difficult role to fill and we probably need more than one player to have those skills, so we’re looking hard to see what’s out there.
“Michael is the first signing we’ve made that will fit into that role and we’re always looking for players who can improve the squad.
“We’re one or two players short of the full complement and are working hard to get the right people in.” Of Paterson’s potential, West said: “He’s a versatile player who we have a huge amount of respect for and will complement the talent we’ve got.
“He’s a dominant figure for Sale and we think he’s going to be someone who really holds his hand up here and moves his career forward. He’s a good athlete, a good lineout forward and we want to get him in our team and see where it takes him.
“He knows he’s coming into a good side with a lot of established players and he’s going to have to fight to get a game with us, but you want that level of competition for places and we’re confident Michael can push on.”
Paterson faces stiff competition from Courtney Lawes and Christian Day, who West believes was unfortunate to be overlooked by England after head coach Stuart Lancaster opted for Nick Easter as second-row cover against Italy last week.
He added: “Christian’s a proven performer whose quality, leadership and decision-making helps a team play.
“We’re pleased with his season and it’s nice he got recognition by training with England, but it’s disappointing he didn’t play.
“He deserves a chance to show what he can do but they chose Nick Easter. But selection can change so hopefully he’ll get an opportunity.”
NEALE HARVEY
