Dream Team: Tom Catterick – Newcastle fly-half

1. Mako Vunipola – I played England age goups with him and he's an all-round ball carrier. He's a proper scrummager and a grafter too.
2. Jamie George – One of the most talented players I've played with and he worked very hard to be where he is now. He's so good in the loose.
3. Carl Hayman – He was the best tighthead in the world when he came to Newcastle and the scrum didn't move if he didn't want it to. Didn't say much and led by his action. He was a great bloke.
4. Maro Itoje – Every time I've played against him he's been outstanding. He a freak of an athlete and he's winning record last season speaks for itself. The best player in the Premiership last season.
5. Callum Green – I played with Cal on and off for years now. There's no airs and graces about him but he puts his head where it hurts. A very hard man.
6. Mark Wilson – I've known him since I was 14 and to see the route he's taken to end up playing for England is inspirational. He always tops the tackling stats but never expect praises for it.
7. Will Welch – Very similar to Carl, he's not screaming and shouting before a game. But he goes through hell and back to try to get the Falcons a win. Always runs himself to the ground.
8. Billy Vunipola – A power house. The way Sarries use him you always have to be wary. I know that when I play against him I make sure Mark or Will are near to protect me!
9. Mike Blair – I learnt a lot from him in terms of understanding the game. He understands when to change the tempo but most importantly how to get other players in the game.
10. Jonny Wilkinson – I was lucky enough to have a couple of sessions with him when I was in the academy. He's trained harder than anyone to become the best fly-half that's played the game.
11. Marcus Watson – He can do anything in terms of basic skills but he also has the ability to do things you'd never think were possible. You think nothing's on and next thing you know he scored.
12. Manu Tuilagi – When I played with him, I've never seen a team able to stop him and when I faced him, we've never been able to figure it out either. Has some deft touches to go with his brute force.
13. Jonathan Joseph – He works so hard on the pitch but he's also great to have around the team. Him and Manu would go well.
14. Sinoti Sinoti – It was so good to see him back in the Falcons shirt last season. The best winger in the Premiership before his injury. He will not get tackled by the first man.
15. Alex Goode – He should have more England caps. I like to have a second playmaker in my team and he's great in that role. Deceptively quick too.