Dream Team: Scott Barrow – Fylde and former Leeds centre

1. Simon Emms – Very fast for a chunky fella. One of the most athletic props I’ve played with, including Premiership guys. We played at Orrell a few years ago.
2. Rob Rawlinson – Played with Rob at Leeds and he did everything. Gave 100 per cent every time and provided a boost when I was flagging a bit.
3. Carl Hayman – Immense at Newcastle and carried them a long way. So big, guys just bounced off when they tried to tackle him.
4. Andy Newman – Another big man. Was a real grafter and did a lot of unnoticed grunt at Glasgow, all of us players knew how important he was though.
5. Nick Easter – It won’t be too long until he’s moved into the second row, so I’m sneaking him in there now. Another Orrell boy who was a natural at everything – tennis, cricket, golf – Quins and England were lucky he chose rugby.
6. Calum Clark – He’s had a rough year – but he’s really got something about him. I think he’s got the temperament to be a winner and he will bounce back this season.
7. John Barclay – One of the best at Glasgow and still has a lot to offer at 25. Just an awesome player who’ll tackle anything all day long, and is a real leader.
8. Xavier Rush – I played against him for England Counties and he’s one of those guys who speeds up into contact – he’s not going to sidestep and it hurts when you hit him. He just has no fear.
9. Joe Simpson – The No.9 who ripped teams apart more than any other I’ve faced. He ran in three tries against us without anyone laying a hand on him.
10. Nick Evans – Top quality. Can turn a game on its head and it was good to see him pick up the Premiership this year – he definitely deserved it.
11. David Strettle – Has real pace, great strength in the tackle and a rugby brain; he’s just been very unlucky with injuries but I think he’ll bounce back.
12. Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu – Has good feet, great handling skills – he’s just a good all-round centre. He runs these narrow lines and you always have to keep an eye on him. I remember having a great battle with him at Kingsholm a few years ago.
13. Manu Tuilagi – Sheer size and speed. I played against him when he was 18 at Leicester and his skill level was outstanding. Will only get more intimidating.
14. Jamie Roberts – Another star I caught when he was really young. People forget he started on the wing. He ran in three scorchers against us for Cardiff. He was a bit lighter back then – but he can still shift now.
15. Matt Burke – Another Falcons player I faced with Glasgow – you could see his quality straight away. Read the game so well and had the most massive boot.