Head Coach Richard Hill has revealed that it was impossible to leave out ‘on fire’ back Joe Carlisle for the RFU Championship clash with Moseley Rugby on Tuesday, December 28 at Sixways Stadium (kick-off 3pm).
Carlisle produced a stunning display in the last home game at Sixways as the fly half contributed 28 points – including a cleverly worked try – as Warriors overwhelmed Newport Rugby in the British & Irish Cup.
The 23-year-old playmaker will now line up at full back for the festive fixture with local rivals Moseley.
And Hill is convinced the naturally gifted ace has all the attributes to shine in a position that is still very much up for grabs.
Hill said: “A number of positions are becoming clear to me now and I am reasonably certain on most, but full back is one position that is still causing me concern.
“There are different qualities with Joe Carlisle, Willie Walker and Tom Arscott. No one is the complete article at the moment so there is not a first natural choice.
“But Joe Carlisle, for me, ticks most of the boxes of what is required from full back. He can catch, has a lovely pass infield, if you want to counter attack, and has an advantage of a left foot boot which is a critical. He can also step up, as he is a ten, to first receiver and relieve Andy Goode in phase play.
“The other reason I have gone for Joe Carlisle in this game is because he is playing particularly well, he will be hard to leave out,” added Hill.
“There is a good argument to play him at fly half. He is certainly one of the backs who is on fire at the moment.
“A player of that quality – playing so well – is difficult to keep him out of the side. I think Joe has to be on the field as he is playing that well.”
Tickets remain on sale for the home clash between Warriors and Moseley Rugby. Call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or click HERE for more information.