Player of the Year: 3-2-1 Wallabies v France, Paris

[Groucho]

Why is Douglas ahead of Horwill? When/what has Douglas shown that he should be ahead of a fit Horwill?

I know there is some Douglas-love on this board, but some of it (like the above) is over the top. The guy had a good rookie season and he generally held his own - which was very impressive for a rookie of his age, but also he was generally easily outplayed by his own locking partner in Mumm.

I think many are putting the cart before the horse with Douglas. Let him get another season or two under his belt, then let's see. I think the same goes for Simmons, but Simmons has been lucky enough to get a few good test runs.

But remember, how often have we seen young players shine in their first year where they get regular starts, only to fade once they are known, marked and lose some youthful enthusiasm and vigour? Both Simmons and Douglas need a good year next year before talking about them the way some do here.

I believe Douglas has the most talent of the emerging locks. I base that on watching him play. I agree that he, like Simmons, doesn't yet have the runs on the board, which is why I say "my money is on Douglas", rather than saying Douglas is the man.

I think that kind of prediction is within my punditry rights, so pull yer head in Ash.

 

[Ash]

Hmmm, brave call then. I disagree, of course, and think that the poor kid has been given too much hype and should be left hype free to get a few more years to develop, but good luck to young Douglas.

Although, I am a bit curious to know what you have seen in Douglas to say he will be better than a fully fit Horwill (or, perhaps you don't rate Horwill?).

 

[Reddy!]

Douglas is nothing more than an over hyped, over payed and over sexed product of the NSW media and rugby community. Does he even exist? In Queensland he wouldn't.

If my ol' mate Ash is correct and someone is suggesting that Douglas is going to be better than Horwill in 2011, than you got to be kidding me. Watch Horwill come back in the Wallabies and watch our scrum improve 150%.

 

[Ash]

Don't know if I'd go as far as Reddy!'s trolling, but I think we've derailed this thread enough.