Australian halfback great George Gregan has hailed incumbent Wallabies No.9 Will Genia as a superstar with more skills than him. Just 11 Tests into his international career and Gregan is already touting the New Guinea-born 22-year-old as a future Wallabies captain.
At 82kg, pound for pound Genia is the strongest Australian rugby player, benching 172kg.
“He’s got a lot more skills than me,” Gregan told sportal.com.
“He’s bigger, stronger and he can kick a lot further.
“I’m a dinosaur compared to him. He’s got a good head on his shoulders. I like the way he plays.
“He has time and space to do things, which is a sign of a real quality player.
“He’s only 22 and has heaps of improvement in him. That’s what’s exciting.”
They are big raps from the Zambian-born Bledisloe Cup-winning captain who won a World Cup in 1999, played 139 Tests for the green and gold, and 136 games for the Brumbies, including two Super 12 titles in 2001 and 2004.
Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie has already elevated Genia to the Reds captaincy, following James Horwill’s season-ending knee injury.
“I think that leadership has really helped him go from strength to strength,” Gregan said.
“He is a very good player who understands the game. He’s very skilful and makes good decisions under pressure.
“He takes care of his forwards, has very good pass and knows how to change his game when the opportunity presents itself.”
Some have gone as far to say Genia is the next Gregan.
“He’s his own man and he’s doing a great job,” Gregan said.
“He also picked up the game late which shows how much talent he has.”
Blinky Bill of Bellingen
Guest
No question about it, Genia shines at S14 level. The question for me is will he be as dominant at the next level? I certainly hope so. To me he just does the simple things so well and gives his outside backs more time and space. I love his quick clean service, snipes and the way he has cut back on those dreaded box kicks. He just seems to have a nice balance to his game and I'm flat out thinking of a better 9 running around at the moment.
Bob Mcgregor
Guest
Agree with Gregan's assessment of Genia. I've been a big fan since I watched his first 2 Super 14 games last season and opined he would replace Burgess as the Wallaby incumbent half. My appreciation of him continues to grow and would rate him in the top 2 halves in the world - if not umero numero. Cooper is maturing nicely but Genia's service gives him so much time as a play maker most of us now would rate him as the likely Wallaby 5/8. Let's hope the improvement continues.
Nashi
Guest
Geez George tell us something we don't know. I watched the 98 Bled on TV a week or so ago and was stunned at how poor Gregan's service was at the supposed height of his powers. Genia's service is a bolt of lightning by comparison. He also has size and strength on his side. Gregan was a good player but he was never one of my favorites like Farr-Jones. To give Gregan some credit at least he is man enough to see the quality in Genia's play.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Watch as people suddenly become complimentary about Gregan... Whether he's overhyped or not, hopefully the ARU keep Genia through to at least the 2015 WC. I don't think Australasian rugby can cope with losing too many perceived stars.
Aaron
Guest
Never a big fan of Gregan. Genia may be better than one of the real greats, du preez
matt
Guest
Big wraps from one of the most (internationally) respected players we have ever produced.