I THINK it’s fantastic for Southend as a club that Mike Stanley could well be lining up for Samoa against England at Twickenham this weekend.

And I also think his success gives every young player in National Two South a real boost as well.

It just goes to show that playing at this level you’re not far off being able to play at the very top and earn yourself a living from the game.

I remember Mike from my time at Saracens where he was at before coming to Southend and he was someone who really stood out along with his brother, even then.

Mike developed his game by coming to Southend and learned from the experience players he came up against and played alongside side while with the club.

I think it’s getting games is the best way to learn and Mike is certainly testament to that.

His work ethic has always been spot on too and I think moving to play in New Zealand has done wonders for him as well.

Sometimes a fresh challenge can give you a real boost and I think it’s enabled his game to develop.

He’s benefitted from a bit of luck with one or two injuries opening things up for him but that happens to every player in rugby.

It’s those who take the chances that came their way that do best and I sincerely hope Mike continues to enjoy great success for Samoa because it’s great to watch him.

FACING OLD ELTHAMIANS THIS WEEKEND

CLOSER to home we’re back in action this weekend as we take on Old Elthamians at Warners Bridge.

We will be wanting to get back to winning ways after two successive defeats and it’s important to win your home matches at this level.

Injuries aren’t helping our cause at the moment and with the likes of Chris Vaughan, Danny Cleare, Tom Ashton, Sonny Gay and Daniel Legge all out we’re missing some very big players.

On the plus side, it’s great to have Sam Fombo back in action after he recovered from a knee injury.

He’s someone I’ve heard a lot about and he’s a big character around the team so it’s great to have him available again.

Unfortunately, I had to miss the Clifton game last weekend due to work.

I had to take clients to watch France’s game against Australia and the French had what it took to be able to grind out the win.

That’s something England are lacking at the moment judging by their last two games.

But hopefully it’s something we will be able to do this weekend to get ourselves back on track again.