Malins can make Eddie think again, says Wyles
MAX Malins can start the new Premiership campaign on a special World Cup mission and make it impossible for Eddie Jones to leave him out of his England plans any longer.
The versatile Saracens star found himself pushed off the international stage for the final Six Nations curtain call against France, and then the big summer Tour to Australia.
But the 25-year-old’s special skills, style and all-round try-scoring talent should help get his hopes of a spot in the World Cup squad next year back on track.
That’s according to former Sarries and USA Eagles star Chris Wyles, who hung up his boots in 2018 after a decade of loyal service and over 250 appearances at the club.
Malins, himself, aired his frustration at appearing to be made something of a fall guy for England’s dismal showing last Spring. But he shrugged the disappointment off by shining for Sarries in their run to a Twickenham Final, and leaving his supporters demanding a Test recall.
Jones, instead, showed his desire to give other young players the chance to shine against the Wallaibes but Wyles believes Malins will be fired up to change the Australians’ mind.
He says: “Max is going to be seriously motivated with Sarries to have a great season, primarily to help the club. But if he plays the way he can, he will have to be knocking on the door for England.
“He is extremely talented. He has the consistency in terms of quality which Sarries like in players. He off-loads, is fast and makes breaks. He can play wing, 15 and 10, which is pretty unusual. You have someone like Alex Goode who can do full-back and flyhalf but doesn’t really do wing. But Max can, and he also seems to get on the scoresheet every game!
“Eddie (Jones) is always a man making his own decisions and you expect the unexpected with him in terms of his selections. But then he is also very shrew. Jamie (George) was out of the squad for a period of time but came back firing in Australia and is back competing for first choice hooker.
“With Eddie it could be a number of things. But Max is young enough and has enough quality to fight his way back into the squad. The game in England in general is moving towards focusing more on skillsets and size than it previously was. I feel Max is the result of an academy system which changed its' focus a little bit, especially with backs.”
Wyles enjoyed so much silverware success during his time in north London and although he believes the Premiership will be even stronger this season, he firmly expects Sarries to stroll out at Twickenham once more.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Sarries they do because it is going to be another season of heightened purpose for the club. Losing at Twickenham will give them yet another bit of impetus for this season coming, and bounce back to prove another point.”