Scarlets eye Joe Hawkins as a centre after Sam Costelow's return, according to interim director of rugby Nigel Davies. The 23-year-old fly-half has been freed up following an injury setback and will now be used at his preferred position of 12. "Joe is a fantastic rugby player and we have to be careful with him, because he has been moved around a little bit," said Davies.
Hawkins started for Wales in the autumn Tests against New Zealand and South Africa but has been utilised primarily at fly-half in recent games. With his return from injury, Costelow's role is expected to shift to 10, allowing Hawkins to be utilized as a ball-playing centre. This switch will enable Scarlets to have two first receivers and communicators in those positions.
Costelow made five starts and two appearances off the bench before his injury setback while youngsters Elis Price and Carwyn Leggatt-Jones have also been part of the back-up plans for the fly-half role. The 23-year-old has made 10 club appearances, including his debut against Munster, in addition to his two Test starts.
According to Davies, a ball-playing 12 being comfortable to play at 10 is useful but not the primary role for Hawkins. However, this versatility brings good attributes to their game as it gives them two first receivers and communicators in those positions. It also allows Sam Costelow to benefit from Joe's ability to understand pressure and communicate effectively.
Scarlets have named their team to face Northampton Saints on Sunday, January 18th, at 15:15 GMT. Lock or flanker Max Douglas returns after a 20-minute red card against Dragons on New Year's Day.
Hawkins started for Wales in the autumn Tests against New Zealand and South Africa but has been utilised primarily at fly-half in recent games. With his return from injury, Costelow's role is expected to shift to 10, allowing Hawkins to be utilized as a ball-playing centre. This switch will enable Scarlets to have two first receivers and communicators in those positions.
Costelow made five starts and two appearances off the bench before his injury setback while youngsters Elis Price and Carwyn Leggatt-Jones have also been part of the back-up plans for the fly-half role. The 23-year-old has made 10 club appearances, including his debut against Munster, in addition to his two Test starts.
According to Davies, a ball-playing 12 being comfortable to play at 10 is useful but not the primary role for Hawkins. However, this versatility brings good attributes to their game as it gives them two first receivers and communicators in those positions. It also allows Sam Costelow to benefit from Joe's ability to understand pressure and communicate effectively.
Scarlets have named their team to face Northampton Saints on Sunday, January 18th, at 15:15 GMT. Lock or flanker Max Douglas returns after a 20-minute red card against Dragons on New Year's Day.
... think it's cool how Scarlets are trying to create more flexibility in their team, having two ball-players at the same position can be really useful 
! it makes total sense with sam costelow coming back from injury, and its great that joe has been able to showcase his versatility 
. also, nice return of max douglas, hope he's good to go for the saints match on jan 18th 
costelow's role being shifted is also good news, he was getting some decent game time before the injury and elis price and carwyn leggatt-jones are looking like they've got some potential too 
one thing that worries me is max douglas' return... 20 minutes in a red card is no joke, hope he's fully recovered before sunday 
and then "wait, no we need two centres that can talk to each other" 
makes sense i guess. but what about sam costelow? is he okay now after his injury?
I mean, having two ball-playing receivers at 12 is gonna be super beneficial for their game. It's cool that they're experimenting with different positions and getting the best out of their players. And good on them for having a solid backup system in place, like Elis Price and Carwyn Leggatt-Jones. Bring it on! 
The fact that they have two first receivers and communicators in those positions will be key to their success this season! 
. seriously though, joe hawkins does seem like a solid player and his versatility could be an asset for the scarlets. they're definitely trying to mix things up and create more attacking threats, which is cool 
it makes sense though coz joe has been playing really well and costelow has been out for a bit... 
!
he's got all the skills, can distribute the ball like costelow and then unleash his speed to make some magic happen on the wing... but you know what would take it to the next level? if elis price or carwyn leggatt-jones get some serious game time behind him 
. And yeah, having two first receivers communicators is a great asset for their game - they can really move the ball around now 
Anyway, I guess it's cool that Sam Costelow is coming back and Joe can play his natural position... but does anyone really care about the details? 
The real question is, are they ready for this new centre position without even testing them properly? 