Player Focus - Jordan Cutler

What an interesting start to the season we’ve had – currently sitting 4th in the table with 3 wins and 1 defeat. After the 4th game this season the table seems to have opened up more, and the teams who were on a winning streak – us included, have dropped a few points.

Someone that has definitely contributed to our fine form this year is Jordan Cutler, AKA "Wookie". He’s moved into the pack this year and with 7 tries in his last 3 games, we felt now was a good opportunity for him to share his views on the new season and the impact he’s had.

So Jordan, 7 tries in 3 games, what’s happened?!
To be honest Don, my tries have come from solid team work which couldn’t have been possible without every player on the pitch putting their all in, giving me the chance to score as much as I have.

Would it be fair to say a few of those tries came from increased speed of play in the pack?
To a certain extent yes. I would say the pack is very well drilled at the moment allowing us to not commit less to a ruck but still be dominant and be in control at the breakdowns, giving us more options and players ready to receive the ball.

Talking about the pack, you’ve made the transition from the backs to the forwards this season – predominately at 2nd row and number 8. What’s prompted the move?
I felt I could bring more to the forwards and would be more effective in the pack. Also, everyone has stepped up their game this year which has made competition for positions a lot harder. I feel there are much better players in our team that would be more effective in the backs than I ever could.

We have a youthful side now, yourself included. Would you say we have a healthy mix of experience and youth in the squad?
Absolutely, the youth want to play a lot more tap and goes and are keen on the fast ball, which at times can be effective and catch teams off guard. At the same time there’s enough experience in the team to know when to slow down and think with a cool head. It’s really good to see as even when we’re playing as well as training, the more experienced players are helping us and giving us tips that are making us better and more confident within ourselves.

Great to hear Jordan. What with new players showing an interest on a weekly basis, it’s exciting times for East Dorset. We have our first cup game coming up this weekend against Wheatsheaf – we played them in our first game of this season. What do you expect from them this time round?
Yeah it’s very exciting to see so many new players especially as we’re such a small club – having 4-5 new players turn up means the world to us. Even though we won they were still a tough side who will be up for it Saturday as they have a point to prove. If we stick to our strengths and stay level headed and be clinical and dynamic when needed, I think we have a good chance of coming out on top which would be great for us as a club and as a team.

Thanks Jordan, and last words… Where do you see East Dorset finishing up this season?
If we continue and perform the way we are, I see us in the top 3

Interesting views from Jordan so early on in our season - let's hope we can carry on with our impressive start. We continue this Saturday against Wheatsheaf as we host them in the Cup.

Another brace perhaps for Jordan?...

Updated 16:25 - 1 Sep 2019 by User 3097372