Western Force coach Michael Foley believes giant lock Adam Coleman has the potential to be just as good as star All Blacks forward Brodie Retallick in the coming years.
Coleman looms as a World Cup smoky after putting in a series of impressive displays over the past 15 months.
Standing at 204cm and weighing 122kg, Coleman is a beast capable of inflicting mass damage with his bullocking runs and hard-hitting tackles.
But he has also displayed a surprising level of skill for a man of his size.
Last November, Retallick became the first lock to be named the World Rugby Player of the Year since 2001.
Foley believes Coleman has all the ingredients to be as good as Retallick.
“Retallick is a very physical player, incredibly fit, has a massive engine, and just keeps going,” Foley said.
“But he also has the ability to get his hands on the ball and have an influence on the game. And he hits hard in defence.
“I think Adam is a similar style of lock.
“Over the next two years, Adam could develop into the same class as Brodie.
“You normally either have a guy who’s very physical, or a player that’s very skilful, but not both.
“What you’re seeing at the moment from Adam are just glimpses of what he’s going to be capable of.”
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has also predicted a bright future for Coleman.
But the 23-year-old Tasmanian faces a fight to push ahead of the likes of Will Skelton, Sam Carter, Rob Simmons, James Horwill, and Luke Jones to earn World Cup selection.
“When you’re picking a World Cup squad, what you’re looking for is consistency,” Foley said.
“What that says to an international coach is that this guy can sustain a very high level of performance.
“If Adam Coleman shows that over the remainder of the season, there’s no question there’s an opportunity there for him.”
Stand-in Western Force skipper Sam Wykes has been impressed by the rate of Coleman’s development.
“For a big man, he gets down low and hits hard. He puts his whole 120kg behind everything, whether it’s a clean-out, tackle, or running at the footy,” Wykes said.
“When he gets going, he’s pretty hard to mow down.
“He’s also willing to learn. He’s always asking where he can get better in all aspects of rugby.”
The 13th-placed Force will be aiming to snap their six-match losing run when they host the Cheetahs at nib Stadium on Saturday night.
The Force put in strong efforts on their recent tour of South Africa, but their inability to finish off their good work resulted in losses to the Bulls and Sharks.
ken
Guest
FARDY??? hahahaha
Garry
Guest
PLEASE Stop with The douglas love.. Been tried .. FAILED !!! His LIONS series was a shocker...
Garry
Guest
SITA TIMANI was soft for a125kilo human. Thank Heavens he`s not coming back..
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I've not seen much of Coleman however lets hope his form continues and puts himself in the World Cup mix. If there is one position outside of tighthead prop we are short on is second rowers. Lets say Cheik goes with 4 second rowers for the RWC, Simmons is a lock & Skelton is a likely starter. Outside of that the other 2 spots are wide open, I'm not a fan of Carter while Jones is more a 6 but still raw. Dennis and Horwill are possibilities for there experience, Arnold and Coleman could well force there way in.
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
agreed, these guys are still young. they need a few test matches before any mention of "world class"
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
*lose
pjm
Roar Rookie
They promised and didn't deliver.
pjm
Roar Rookie
If he does return I think he'll find himself behind the pace. He wasn't that great when he was here.
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
Although our stocks are looking better, they wont be ready for this years world cup. How many international test before Retalick was noticed as a genuine world class lock? If the wallabies are serious, we need these young guys to be playing in the RC from the beginning, doesn't matter if we loose all the matches, if it can get them experience against the top 2 before the world cup, the better.
Terry Kidd
Guest
I am happy to see Coleman develop .... please note that Foley only said that "he has the potential" then all you blokes have him selected as a world beating starting lock. How many of you can tell me what number he wears and what side of the scrum he packs? Yeah ..... thought so .... take a bit more notice before you come up with your RWC winning locking combinations. Yes, he has potential .... give him a chance to realize it.
Terry Kidd
Guest
and Kane Douglas when he returns
Jack
Guest
Palu?
Simon_Sez
Roar Guru
I hope Arnold can step up to international test level, because if he and Skelton were playing together, the Wallabies would finally have height and weight in the engine room.
Simon_Sez
Roar Guru
Brett, I agree, Timani 6 or 8, and Deniis is a 6 at the international test level...on a good day.
PeterK
Roar Guru
that would be fardy
Not Bothered
Guest
A ridiculous comment is what it is. To say Higginbotham has been a handicap to every team he plays for is ridiculous and obviously wrong, silly, plain and simple.
Not Bothered
Guest
Oh yeah it was only 2 very highly paid, highly qualified national coaches that dont know as much as you.
pjm
Roar Rookie
See, here's the thing, Being an ex forward will have you looking at players at rucks and mauls more than you are watching the ball like some dumb hypnotized back.
Not Bothered
Guest
1 hardman and 1 lineout general.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Don't bring Cheiks into this, it wasn't his team.