Kyle Godwin keen to make most of opportunities with Western Force
WA Rookie sensation Kyle Godwin keen to make most of opportunities with Western Force
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Force rookie Kyle Godwin in action against the Cheetahs during the round six Super Rugby match between the Force and the Cheetahs at nib Stadium. Source: PerthNow
WHEN David Pocock labels you an exceptional young man, a future Wallaby and wait for it an "Adonis'', you know you're doing okay.
Meet the Western Force's newest rookie sensation, Kyle Godwin.
Godwin will line up at inside centre for the Force against the Waratahs on Sunday afternoon at Allianz Stadium, and based on the 20-year-old's eye-catching form so far this season, it might pay to get along for a glimpse of the future.
In his first full season, the skilful blond centre has already earned rave reviews and drawn comparisons with Matt Giteau for the Force.
Like Pocock, Godwin was born in Zimbabwe but emigrated from Harare to Perth in 2000 with his family when he was eight.
"My parents had a good look at the future of Zimbabwe and thought it was best for us to move to Australia. They did it to make sure we had a good upbringing as kids really, to have a brighter future,'' Godwin said yesterday. "I have some good memories of Zim. It is still a very passionate rugby nation.''
After playing for Australian schools, the WA-product joined the Force academy and debuted at Super Rugby level last year. Though quiet as a church mouse, his Force teammates knew they had a good one on their hands.
"Kyle is honestly one of the most humble guys you've ever met,'' Pocock said. "From the day he turned up you could just tell he was a quality bloke and had a tremendous work ethic. He is, actually, an exceptional young man.
"He has got the brain for it and he's very skilful. It was just a matter of getting training under his belt. He was probably unlucky not to get more opportunity last year, but it's no surprise he's starting to do well.''
Pocock, who revealed Godwin's nickname at the Force is "Adonis'' due to his genetic gifts, said talk about Godwin being a Wallaby in the near future isn't unreasonable.
"I definitely think he can be,'' Pocock said. "One of the better qualities he has is he's pretty cool under pressure, and doesn't ever get flustered. So that's a great asset to have an inside back, and as time goes on and he becomes more vocal, which he seems to be doing this year, he'll definitely get into contention down the line.''
Few people know Godwin turned down the competition-leading Brumbies to stay with the Force in 2013.
The youngster trained with Jake White's strong side in the off-season in Canberra, but instead of joining Pocock, chose stay with the team at the bottom of the Aussie conference.
"I was just there for the day,'' Godwin said. "Obviously I had the opportunity but I made my decision and I am very happy with the call to stay with the Force.
"I am West Australian, so to be around my family and friends was the motivating factor. Michael Foley and Chris Webb had a great plan for me and I decided the best way to improve my rugby was to stay with the Western Force.
"I am loving the opportunity and am very thankful for the coaching staff giving it to me. I want to just keep improving.''
Based on Pocock's already glowing appraisal, the Waratahs may hope any more improvement from Godwin comes next week.
Former Waratah Sam Norton-Knight is set to make his debut for the Force against his old side on Sunday. Norton-Knight joined the WA side after a stint in Japan but has been injured for the Super Rugby season thus far.
"He's played 10, 12 and 15 before. He'll slot in somewhere there,'' captain Matt Hodgson said. "But he can also fit in as that utility player off the bench.''
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