#2. Tom Curry (England)
Jones said: “I remember seeing him the first time, playing for Sale, and it reminded me of the feelings I’d had when I watched a young George Smith in Sydney grade rugby.
“After 30 minutes of watching Curry, who at the time was largely unknown outside of Sale, I thought, ‘Why hasn’t anyone mentioned this kid before?’ He was head and shoulders above everyone else on the field.
“It’s amazing he’s still so young. He’s going to be a special player.”
Tom Curry facts:
- Curry played for Crewe & Nantwich in the early stages of his amateur career where he was coached by his father as well as local cult hero Bobby Walsh
- He, along with his twin brother Ben, is the son of Bishop Heber High School Head Teacher David Curry and nephew of former England hooker John Olver
- It is true that the brothers had a trial at Manchester City, who the twins support, but that was scuppered by Tom scoring a spectacular own goal. Probably for the best in the end
- The only way you can tell Tom and Ben apart is by their hair. Tom has his styled to the right while Ben has his swept to the left.
- The duo played for Sale FC in National 2 League North before making their debut for Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership