Cox: I just want to play
New Gloucester signing Matt Cox says he is getting tired of all the pre-season build up and just wants to play Premiership rugby.
Cox made the move to Gloucester this summer after his previous side Worcester were relegated down to the Championship. He has described it as a difficult decision but ultimately one he had to make to fulfil his England ambitions.
It has since emerged that Cox had the chance to sign for Gloucester while he was in the Worcester academy system but a deal could not be agreed between the necessary parties and the move fell through at the final hurdle.
Cox has a number of qualities that will help him to have a big impact in the Gloucester side. However, he is likely to play second fiddle at number eight this season to a much more experienced Luke Narraway.
Playing qualities
Cox is only 21 years of age and still has time to grow bigger and stronger. His pace across small amounts of turf is very good and this is vital for a number eight as they are so often involved in the play in the middle of the pitch.
He clearly has vision and ambition and this is something that will help him to break in to the Gloucester team. A lot of players would have been content to stay with the security they felt at Worcester but Cox is not one of them.
He's a top quality passer of the ball. He showed during the games he played at Worcester that he can switch the ball out wide or keep it in the middle very well. He will have to display this versatility on a consistent basis if he's going to get in front of Narraway in the pecking order.
He said: "I'm excited to wear the cherry and white. I've had the kit on for a few photos and stuff like that. I just want to play in it now. I've had an operation in the off-season so I'm just coming back from that. I just want to get back into some competitive rugby. I'm working on my training, my rehab, all with a focus on that first game."
Playing second fiddle
Narraway is going to start the season as the main number eight and it will be up to Cox to prove that he is a better option in that position. Narraway has 66 games and 25 points to his name during his Gloucester career, which always meant that he would start the first game.
It's important for Cox to show all season long that he is prepared to work hard and do well. He cannot rely on the misfortune of an injury to Narraway because he'd much rather earn his place in the side.
He added: "Gloucester were keen a few years ago for me to move, two seasons running when I was 18/19. I sort of bottled it. Moving clubs is a big thing and I decided not to then, which I do regret - Hopefully we can bring some energy and a bit more competition to the team. If we all buy into it we can have a positive season."
Betting advice
Gloucester will not win the Premiership title this season because they lack a little bit of quality in too many areas. Cox will start from the sidelines but he seems intent on creating an impression at the club. When he does get a chance then get a bet on him to score points and tries during the course of a game. This is the best way for him to get noticed at the club and hence he will be going out of his way to do just this.
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