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Such is his respect for English recruit Luke Thompson, Canterbury coach Dean Pay is prepared to let the prop have the final say on whether he makes his NRL debut this weekend.
Thompson arrived at Belmore just after 10am on Tuesday and was given his first grand tour of Belmore.
Pay was impressed with seeing the 25-year-old in the flesh for the first time and named him in the No. 21 jersey for Sunday evening's clash against South Sydney and fellow Englishman Tom Burgess.
"If he feels like he's ready to play, he'll play,'' Pay told the Herald.
"He's a bit unsure because it's only his first day, and we'll see how he goes the next couple of days and have a better idea. He's been around long enough and knows [his body].
"He hasn't done contact in a while. He's obviously looked after himself. I know what he brings and what he can do, but there won't be any pressure on him. We just want him to come here and be himself.''
Pay is aware there is no reserve-grade competition where Thompson can fast-track his match fitness.
An Australian flag was hung on one of the walls of Thompson's new Sydney home, but the proud Brit made it known to club officials it had already been removed.
Pay spent plenty of time around Josh Hodgson and Canberra's British imports when an assistant at the Raiders, and was grateful he could understand Thompson.
Souths big bopper Burgess backed Thompson to shine Down Under. "I think he is going to kill it," he said. "I know him well, I’ve played with him internationally and roomed with him last year.
"He has got a great work ethic and I think that is something that will go well for him over here.
"The game will suit his style of play. He is a hard runner, has good line speed and is a good defender.''
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/th...-bulldogs-debut-says-pay-20200630-p557ql.html
Thompson arrived at Belmore just after 10am on Tuesday and was given his first grand tour of Belmore.
Pay was impressed with seeing the 25-year-old in the flesh for the first time and named him in the No. 21 jersey for Sunday evening's clash against South Sydney and fellow Englishman Tom Burgess.
"If he feels like he's ready to play, he'll play,'' Pay told the Herald.
"He's a bit unsure because it's only his first day, and we'll see how he goes the next couple of days and have a better idea. He's been around long enough and knows [his body].
"He hasn't done contact in a while. He's obviously looked after himself. I know what he brings and what he can do, but there won't be any pressure on him. We just want him to come here and be himself.''
Pay is aware there is no reserve-grade competition where Thompson can fast-track his match fitness.
An Australian flag was hung on one of the walls of Thompson's new Sydney home, but the proud Brit made it known to club officials it had already been removed.
Pay spent plenty of time around Josh Hodgson and Canberra's British imports when an assistant at the Raiders, and was grateful he could understand Thompson.
Souths big bopper Burgess backed Thompson to shine Down Under. "I think he is going to kill it," he said. "I know him well, I’ve played with him internationally and roomed with him last year.
"He has got a great work ethic and I think that is something that will go well for him over here.
"The game will suit his style of play. He is a hard runner, has good line speed and is a good defender.''
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/th...-bulldogs-debut-says-pay-20200630-p557ql.html
