Greig Tonks looks to impress for Northampton
If he is given an opportunity to start in the absence of England international Ben Foden, Northampton’s Greig Tonks is hoping to impress coach Jim Mallinder.
Foden is expected to start at full-back for England against New Zealand on Saturday, 6 November, providing Tonks with some first team action.
The full-back is likely to feature for Northampton in their Aviva Premier League match against Newcastle on Saturday, 30 October.
But Tonks knows that he will he have to perform at his best if he is to cause Mallinder a selection dilemma when Foden returns from international duty at the end of November.
"He's a quality player and he's with England for a reason. But I hope I can make the most of my chance. Everyone has to perform and fill big boots."
Despite not making the first choice 15 regularly, Tonks believes that he is lucky to be at a club like Northampton that has a wealth of talent and experienced coaches that have played in the full-back position.
"I'm fortunate because there's lot of input here. Foden is doing well with England, Jim Mallinder is an ex-full back and there's Paul Grayson as well."
Former out-half Grayson played at full-back during his career with England.
Tonks said, "From my perspective, I'm picking up hints and tips and I appreciate them passing their experience down to me."
The 21-year-old Northampton back was signed in the summer from Leicester. Tonks played with the academy in Leicester before spending a loan spell with Nottingham.
Tonks will hope that he can prove a point and show Mallinder that is capable of filling in for Foden.
The player also admitted that he was very much the second choice full-back at the moment.
"I'm not deluded, and thinking I should be starting every week over Ben."
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