Ollie Thorley believes his penchant for the spectacular can give him a crucial edge in the hunt for Rugby World Cup places.
A standout figure on the wing for Gloucester this season, Thorley roared to prominence with a series of remarkable tries in the Gallagher Premiership, including a stunning solo effort against Leicester Tigers back in November.
That strong form catapulted him to the attention of England coach Eddie Jones, who named the 22-year-old in his Six Nations squad for the game against Italy in March.
But with Bath’s Anthony Watson fit again after injury and the likes of Jonny May and Jack Nowell also impressing, competition for World Cup places is fierce.
Thorley, though, remains convinced he can provide an X-factor for Eddie Jones’ side in Japan.
Talent in the Premiership this year has been exceptional. Up for this year's @LandRover_UK Discovery Player of the year, we have...✨@J_cokanasiga 💙@TomCurry98 🦈@Alex_dombrandt 🃏@RoryJHutchinson 😇@joesimmo10 ⚔️@thorlo🍒#PremRugbyAwards🏆
— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) May 9, 2019
🔎https://t.co/PhnynkTYkJ pic.twitter.com/YZUVElx4bQ
“I believe I can bring something different,” he said.
“I’ve got a blend of power and pace and I like to think that defences don’t really know what I’m going to do.
“It’s that element of the unknown. There’s a lot of guys who are strong or quick but I believe I offer something different.
“Hopefully, as and when I get back fit I’ll be able to show that.
Named Young Player of the Year at the RPA awards last week, Thorley has been no stranger to plaudits this season.
His six tries and electric displays from the backs have also seen him nominated for the Land Rover Discovery of the Season award alongside a host of other talented youngsters.
“It’s a huge honour,” Thorley said. “When I was looking at who else was nominated, I was like ‘oh blimey, there are some very special players there’.
“Every single person there deserves recognition for the season they’ve had.
“Alex Dombrandt and Rory Hutchinson have been carving it up this season, obviously Joe (Cokanasiga) and Tom (Curry) have been away with England with me and playing in the Gallagher Premiership too.
“To be there alongside them is exciting and I’d be very humbled if I did win.”
Currently sidelined with a knee injury sustained at the end of March against Wasps, Thorley has had to watch on as Gloucester have tackles the business end of the season without him.
In his absence, Johan Ackermann’s side have already secured a semi-final place against either Exeter Chiefs or Saracens.
Extremely humbled. A huge thank you to all the guys that I get to play this amazing sport with🏉🙏 https://t.co/eDvMBBckFu
— Ollie Thorley (@thorlo) May 9, 2019
Edging ever closer to a return, the London-born back is hoping to use his frustration as fuel to push on to a new level.
“You have to have a certain level of resilience,” he added.
“Watching from the sidelines is a double-edged sword because one the one hand you’re rooting for them to do as well as possible and equally you feel that you want to be out there on the pitch doing what you can for the team.
“All that frustration builds up inside you.
“It is difficult, but I also think these moments do strengthen you and I’ve often found that after times of injury you’re able to come back fresher and also bring another level because you get to watch a lot of rugby.”
- Ollie Thorley has been shortlisted for the 2018-19 Land Rover Discovery of the Season award. Land Rover is the official vehicle partner of Premiership Rugby. Follow @LandRoverRugby
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