Sky Sports pundit Sam Tomkins believes St Helens’ Harry Robertson is being ‘wasted’ in the outside backs.
Robertson has been one of St Helens’ stars of the season under Paul Wellens at right centre, with the youngster becoming a key member of the Saints’ starting XIII. After breaking into the first-team fold from the youth ranks last year, Robertson has made 23 appearances this season.
In those appearances he has managed to touch down for 14 tries, with his edge partnership with Kyle Feldt, who has touched down 21 times this year, being one of the most potent in the Northern Hemisphere.
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However, Tomkins believes the 19-year-old needs to be given more responsibility in the St Helens team. Of course, Wellens has struggled to work out his best spine this season, with Jonny Lomax, Tristan Sailor, Moses Mbye, Jack Welsby and George Whitby all spending time in the halves over the course of the year.
The development of Robertson only further complicates that spine selection down the line, having emerged through the youth ranks as a full-back/half-back. And, Tomkins believes that’s where he ought to be playing.
“Harry Robertson for me has shown nothing but class since he came into this side,” the Sky Sports pundit said earlier this month. “I think he needs to be in the spine of this St Helens side, I think he’s wasted in the centres.
“I think there’s more to him than what we’re seeing in the centres.
“Half, full-back, I don’t think it matters. I think he just needs hands on the ball more. You can’t leave him out in the centres and provide something for him on the edge.
“He’s a creator himself and he needs more time on the ball and more involvement.”
Robertson was included in Shaun Wane’s England squad over the summer after an impressive opening half of the season. However, it remains to be seen if he will make the cut for the Ashes with a raft of players currently plying their trade down under look set to step into the fold.
