Macs Page is set to make his 50th Scarlets appearance on Saturday, with head coach Dwayne Peel paying tribute to the Pembrokeshire speedster’s progress this season.
The 21-year-old, who made his debut in a friendly against Saracens three years ago, has been one of the standout players in the opening weeks of the BKT URC season.
Having crossed for a try double the week before against the Dragons, his brilliant assist for Ellis Mee’s first try against Benetton helped pave the way for Scarlets’ stunning second-half comeback against the Italians and Peel is hoping for more of the same against Newcastle Red Bulls in the opening round of the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday night.
“I remember seeing Macs play after he’d come out of the Academy at the Swans five, six years ago. He was a young kid then with some massive X-factor moments. What we’ve had with Macs is steady growth,” said Peel.
“He’s shown those X-factor moments throughout his career. I remember his URC debut at Benetton where he scored a brilliant try, a try against Munster out in Thomond Park and Zebre here. There have been some brilliant moments, but I think what he’s starting to do is put consistency together in all parts of the games and for him to play international rugby, that’s what he needs to do. That’s what we’re seeing in him as well.
“It’s about getting him on the ball. From my perspective, you can’t ignore players who can beat people. We see it in all teams, really, Damian McKenzie playing for New Zealand, we’ve had it with people like Shane (Williams). I know that reference was made a couple of weeks ago, not to heap any pressure on Macs because he’s his own man, but I think he’s got that ability to beat people and for me, that’s gold.”
Macs spoke to the media last week about the work he has been putting in on the training field in all areas of his game.
Peel added: “He’s working really hard on the other side of his game, his aerial work, his kicking game, his passing game.
“He’s been playing on the wing which is where we see him at the minute. I’m not saying he won’t end up playing 13, but on the wing he’s got real freedom to go and hunt for the ball, and I think that’s the key. You’ve got to get him on the ball.”
Scarlets take on the Red Bulls at Parc y Scarlets in their first pool game of the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday night, kick-off 8pm. You can get your tickets for the match online HERE or by ringing the ticket office on 01554 292939