Boss Dean Ryan believes Harrison Keddie is becoming an influential character at Dragons – and will only get better over the next 12 months.
Back row forward Keddie has been in impressive form this season and started both Guinness PRO14 fixtures.
The 24-year-old will now be looking to continue that run of games against Ulster Rugby in Belfast today (Sunday).
Touted as a future international star when he burst onto the scene for Wales Under-20s, Keddie certainly has all the physical attributes to go far in the game.
That was underlined with man-of-the-match display against England during the 2016 Under-20s Grand Slam campaign - a game that Ryan himself was there to witness.
And now the Director of Dragons Rugby is keen to see his young tyro stay fit and continue to develop over the coming season.
“I was at that game against England and I thought he was head and shoulders above everybody else on the field,” admitted Ryan.
“That transition into the senior game can sometimes dent you a little bit, you need to refine your game and cut errors out. I think over the last 12 months he has been working that out.
“A lot of coaches celebrate things that sit on the top of the game, the nice to watch. Sometimes someone like Harrison doesn’t get the same accolades just because of the physical work he gets through.
“You talk about a real influential player for Ulster in Marcell Coetzee - I would say Harrison is becoming a really influential player for us.
“He works hard and does some of the things you don’t see until you watch it on a video. It is becoming a real strong part of his game.”
Reflecting on that step up to senior rugby, Ryan admits the region will always have to manage and support players through what can be. A difficult process.
“One of the challenges at Dragons is that we have a lot of talent that has been thrown in and it can be a huge dent to your confidence when you’re young, you’ve great trajectory through the age groups and then suddenly it doesn’t work,” said the Director of Dragons Rugby.
“It’s supporting them through that period, that is key to keeping them developing, simplifying some of the things for them.
“Dragons have often had great potential. But throwing them in and then throwing them out again has not been very stable.
“My job is to stabilise that and be a little bit thoughtful of the longer term. Further down the line it allows them to experience the good and bad, but keep them moving at the same time.”
Keddie has been unfortunate with injuries in recent seasons, but when fit there is no doubting the physicality he brings, with his powerful ball carrying and ability to cross the gain line.
And Ryan believes a big 12 months lies ahead for the Magor-born forward.
“Harrison has a huge appetite to do well and a huge appetite for work. I think he is becoming confident in himself,” said Ryan.
“I think where I can help Harrison, and others, is just being able to stabilise them during this period. Reassure them that hard work is something to be proud of, because you know Harrison can work harder than a lot of people, be more physical than a lot of people.
“I think over the next 12 months we will see a very confident individual being physical and influencing the way games are played.
“Harrison is getting a run of games, he is consistently turning up, and it is for Lennon, Taine and all those others to challenge him as he is now a really influential player for Dragons.”
He works hard and does some of the things you don’t see until you watch it on a video. It is becoming a real strong part of his game...
