MAX DAVIES
NEWCASTLE AND TYNEDALE BACK ROW
Max Davies is desperate for first team action at Newcastle but he is fully aware making the step up from school will be a long journey as a young forward.
The former Sedbergh star only joined the Falcons academy fulltime this summer so getting up to speed with a professional set-up is at the top of his agenda.
Turning 19 last month, he is learning every day in training while putting things into practice with Tynedale in National League One on weekends as well as in the A-League with the Falcons.
“This is my first season training full-time after school but things are going great so far,” he told The Rugby Paper.
“Going to a school like Sedbergh gave me a good taste of rugby at the highest level but joining a Premiership club is definitely a step up.
“You train with people a lot older and with a lot more experience but it gives a very good opportunity to learn and improve my game as the days go by.
“The biggest thing for me is to understand that I will struggle physically against bigger and older players but it’s part of my journey and I can’t let it drag me down.
“You’ve got to back your abilities and keep at it even if you know going into some sessions that you’re going to get smashed.
“The A-League might be a little quicker and more organised but the physicality of National League One is great for me to learn.
“Sometimes I think I’m doing well and out of nowhere I find myself outmuscled or outsmarted by an older player. You learn a lot of tricks playing in the National Leagues.”
Davies, who co-captain the famous Lancashire school last year, joined the Falcons academy as a lock but his turn of speed pushed the coaches to switch him to the back row and he is very much enjoying the freedom his new position bring.
He added: “I’m playing at blindside for Tynedale and I’m really enjoying it. It gives me more time on the ball and I can get involved more.
“It means I’m doing a lot more jackalling sessions in training and guys like Mark Wilson and Will Welch have been great with me.
“I’m working hard in the gym to put on more muscle mass but there’s no rush in me piling on the weight. Keeping my explosivity is key so I’m taking my time.
“I was hoping to be involved in the first couple of Anglo-Welsh Cup games these past two weeks but, hopefully, I can keep doing well for Tynedale as well as the A-legaue to work my way into the Cup squad for the next two rounds just before the Six Nations.”