Eddie Jones backs Beale

[aussies1st]

FORMER Australia coach Eddie Jones has urged selectors to take a World Cup gamble by blooding New South Wales teenage sensation Kurtley Beale at five-eighth in a bid to alleviate the burden on Stephen Larkham.
The battle for the Test No.10 jumper has intensified in the aftermath of an uninspiring spring tour, with Mat Rogers declaring his desire to challenge Larkham for the five-eighth spot.


But Jones believes the brilliant Beale could provide the attacking spark to re-ignite the national team, despite the 18-year-old having yet to play his first Super 14 game.


"We need to bring some new talent in," the Queensland Reds coach said. "I think we need some new No.10s in Kurtley Beale or Berrick Barnes."

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20861471-23217,00.html

Where was this when he was coach?

 

[lockyno1]

Barnes should get the first go.

 

[aussies1st]

Definitely but all depends on Super 14 form where hopefully the Tahs at least give him a chance.

 

[Mal Meninga]

Barnes should get the first go.

He's softer than a marshmellow.

 

[Timbo]

Beale should-in theory-play most of the S14 season for the Tahs.

Wait and see I guess.

 

[bayrep]

I cant wait to see this guy that you have been raving about for the last 2 years.

 

[lockyno1]

Barnes wll be better but anyway.

 

[aussies1st]

No way Beale in 5 years will be up there with Carter

 

[lockyno1]

Carter is a once in a lifetime player.

 

[skeepe]

Larkham, even at this stage of his career, has it all over all the players mentioned in this thread so far.

 

[lockyno1]

Not Carter, becuase the last time I checked Larkham does not goalkick at 90%!

 

[Twizzle]

Barnes wll be better but anyway.

why ?

because he's a queenslander

 

[The Colonel]

They can have as many five-eighths in the team as they want. Until they come up with a forward pack that can do some damage or at least compete with some of the better packs they will do SFA.....

 

[lockyno1]

Nope, he has a better kicking game than the others. I don't look at rugby through states (NSW, QLD, etc).

 

[skeepe]

No, of course you don't locky. You just think that Berrick Barnes is the best flyhalf despite the obvious evidence otherwise, and think Josh Valentine and Sam Cordingley are the best halfbacks, of which neither is the case either.

Where do these players play? Oh that's right, it's Queensland.

 

[aussies1st]

Beale has a much better kicking game. Hes the most rated player coming out of the juniors.

 

[lockyno1]

You realise how many times we have heard that phrase!

 

[bayrep]

It will be a bugger if he falls flat on his face come S14 time. I havent heard so much hype for a player since Lomu is he really that good ?

 

[Mal Meninga]

Barnes wll be better but anyway.

You realise how many times we have heard that phrase!

Based on what? The only real question mark on him is his defense and whether he can handle the heavy on-slaught at such a young age, but let's face it Barnes is dreadful at defending. His leadership, slick passing at the line, running game, quickness and strong leg is undisputed.

As for your 2nd comment, name the last player to have been signed onto a professional deal, and not junior or development, while still in school? Only one name I can recall, and he turned out alright.

 

[aussies1st]

Rogers, Tuqiri both were impressed with him when they saw him, Mark Ella one of the greatest 5/8 was impressed with him handful of others have rated him too. When you got that many people praising a youngster he obviously has talent. If he will transfer that we shall see.