Nathan Charles

[Ali's Choice]

Has anyone else been impressed with Charles this season?

Prior to this year I knew little about him, but I have to say I've been very impressed with him every time I've seen him play in 2011.

First and foremost, he's a very good, accurate lineout thrower. And his understanding with Sharpe is as good as any hooker/jumper combination in SANZAR.

He's also got a motor on him, and last night I was very impressed with his defensive workrate and preparedness to commit his body to rucks, to either secure his team's ball or attempt to counter-ruck. He's a strong-bodied player who has clearly worked hard to bulk up over summer, and when he hits bodies at the ruck, they move.

I know TPN is having an excellent year, but IMO Charles is not far behind him. I'd certainly have Charles, Moore and TPN as my RWC hookers if I was Deans. Hooker seems a position of genuine strength and depth for the Wallabies, which hasn't always been the case.

 

[rugbysmartarse]

Yeah he's pretty good. I bet the brumbies are regretting the loan to the force last year. Does anyone know if he is actually cross eyed, or does it just look that way on tv?

 

[farva]

People may not know, but he has custic fibrosis too.
The fact he is as good an athlete is phenomenal.
And yes, I have high hopes that he will go all the way in his career.

 

[Jnor]

Yeah he's pretty good. I bet the brumbies are regretting the loan to the force last year. Does anyone know if he is actually cross eyed, or does it just look that way on tv?

I think his eyes are just really close together, rather than crossed. Is the cystic fibrosis thing true? I would have thought you couldn't do a whole lot of anything witha condition like that.

Oh, and I've been damn impressed with his play this year too.

 

[Newb]

yeah it was in an article a while back. he's lucky to have a very high functioning case of it.

 

[farva]

Its absolutely true - http://nathancharles.com.au/
It was announced at the start of this year I think (although the Force people knew about it before they signed him). He is now a spokesman for the CF group.

 

[rugbysmartarse]

I think his eyes are just really close together,

Oh, and I've been damn impressed with his play this year too.

maybe it explains the accurate throwing?

 

[WB3]

maybe it explains the accurate throwing?

brilliant.

I agree wholeheartedly with the OP, by the way. I think he has been excellent this year and I like the fact that he looks for work beyond what would be expected of him. I don't think it is any coincidence that he has been involved in numerous force tries (eg against the rebels - scored a try after JOC (James O'Connor) break and Shephard's 1st try last night - also supported JOC (James O'Connor)) as he clearly works hard on his positioning.

 

[disco]

Has anyone else been impressed with Charles this season?

Prior to this year I knew little about him, but I have to say I've been very impressed with him every time I've seen him play in 2011.

First and foremost, he's a very good, accurate lineout thrower. And his understanding with Sharpe is as good as any hooker/jumper combination in SANZAR.

He's also got a motor on him, and last night I was very impressed with his defensive workrate and preparedness to commit his body to rucks, to either secure his team's ball or attempt to counter-ruck. He's a strong-bodied player who has clearly worked hard to bulk up over summer, and when he hits bodies at the ruck, they move.

I know TPN is having an excellent year, but IMO Charles is not far behind him. I'd certainly have Charles, Moore and TPN as my RWC hookers if I was Deans. Hooker seems a position of genuine strength and depth for the Wallabies, which hasn't always been the case.

Agree Ali,
Did notice him last after some good efforts off the bench but I think that's the 1st time I've seen him go the 80. He was in the Wallabies extened train on squad last year so Deans has already sighted his potential.