Young Gun: Craig Willis – Newcastle fly-half

The World Cup warm up defeat at Kingston Park won't be one to remember for Georgia but it will shine in the memory of Craig Willis.
The 20-year-old starred at both full-back and fly-half in his first Falcons start as they recorded a spectacular five-try victory over the 13th ranked nation in World Rugby.
Willis, who is starting at fly-half today against Sale in the Kings of the North Cup, started at full-back against Georgia last Friday but took his customary position of fly-half when Tom Catterick made way with 35 minutes left on the clock.
Since joining the academy two years ago from Billingham RFC, it has been a tale of hard knocks for Willis who quickly learned the difference between playing for your school team and for a Premiership club.
“To come in and play against an unknown quantity in Georgia, I didn't know what to expect. They are all big guys who have played at the highest level and it was quite a daunting task,” he told The Rugby Paper.
“But I knew I was playing in an experienced side. They are all good at talking to you and getting you through tough games. Once I got into it I felt all right and it went well.
“If I had been told before the game about the switch then I would have been quite nervous. But already being in the thick of the game I didn't have a chance to over think it.
“Starting at 10 this weekend is a good opportunity. Dave Walder and all the coaches have been really supportive. Training as a starting player has been different. Having Riki Tipuna on my shoulder is helpful as he keeps you straight in the game.
“It's also different playing at Kingston Park with the synthetic pitch, it's a lot faster and your game has to be organised.
“Last season I was playing for both the A-side and at Blaydon on loan, getting used to the higher adult contact. Playing in the National league toughens you up and gets you used to the physical part of the game.”
Willis captained a successful Durham School side in 2013 that become the first in 50 years not to lose a game by Christmas with just one defeat all season. His contract runs out at the end of the season and he is now looking to capitalise on his opportunity.
He added: “The feeling around the academy is positive as we train with the first team and there are quite a lot of players that have come from the juniors the last few years like Chris Harris.
“We've got the Kings of the North Cup now which is a competitive tournament and the preparation has been pretty intense.
“The original idea for this season was to go on loan to a Championship club and come back for European Cup games which may still happen if I don't get enough game time. But there is an opportunity to play here so I'm making the most of it.
“I'm fully focused on breaking through and cementing a place at Newcastle. I see myself as a fly-half but if I get the chance at full-back then I'll take it. I'll play anywhere to break into the first-team.”
LUKE JARMYN