Henry Pollock says he is ‘far from the finished product’ but willing to learn
By Duncan Bech, Press Association Rugby Union Correspondent
Henry Pollock admits he is a work in progress, but the England star is doing everything possible to accelerate his development.
Pollock played an influential role in Northampton reaching Saturday’s Gallagher Prem final against Exeter at Allianz Stadium by spearheading the forward assault in the play-off victory over Leicester.
A month earlier the 21-year-old, known for his flamboyant try celebrations, was criticised for a conspicuous cameo off the bench in a 41-17 rout by the same opponents at Welford Road that saw him become embroiled in several flashpoints.
Saints boss Phil Dowson highlighted how quickly he learned from that afternoon by adjusting his approach to on-field confrontations and how he talks to referees, changes that contributed to his stellar performance against Tigers last Friday.
“A lot of flack came Henry’s way after the game at Welford Road,” Dowson said. “He’s under more scrutiny than probably anybody else potentially in the league and he’s dealt with it really well.”
Pollock is determined to evolve his game while staying true to the larger-than-life persona that has made him one of rugby’s most recognisable figures in just two seasons.
“I concentrate on learning and adding to my game,” Pollock said. “There are lots of different aspects to my game which can be better.
“In the Welford Road match we didn’t play very well as a team and there was individual stuff as well, but I’m always going to the coaches’ office and having conversations with the coaches.
“I would say I’m able to adapt to the situation in front of me faster. My mindset going into games is more clear in what I need to do in my role.
“I’m still very young and I’m still learning. I’m trying to be like a sponge and absorb as much information as I can. I’m very, very far from the finished product.
“The main thing is enjoyment. I’m enjoying myself at the minute. I feel like I play my best when I am enjoying it and being who I am.”
Northampton enter the climax to the club season as odds-on favourites to repeat their Prem title success of 2024.
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Apart from emerging conclusive play-off winners from a derby classic against Leicester, they finished the regular season at the top of the table having scored a record 104 tries.
And they are determined to overcome Exeter using the same swashbuckling style that has become their calling card.
“We just play the Saints way,” Pollock said. “We play with tempo, we play with speed. We play what is in front of us. If we want to go, we go.
“There’s no hesitation and that gives you that freedom to open up and be yourself. We have freedom in our system and we have trust in each other that we all know what we’re doing.”
