This is positive news that Golding has been awarded with a 5 year contract n thoroughly deserved. Watching a number of interviews with him, he is very grounded, humble , intelligent ..dedicated young player. He knows he is not the finished article, far from it is aware of errors that he makes...yet has the determination to correct them. I also watched him when he was in the U19s n was regularly on the score sheet..there was nothing wrong with his attack.
Last season he came in for a lot of flack, especially on Facebook..people said he was a liability under the high ball...had been useless all season...Was same person spouting complete myth...which then others followed suit on..
At end of season match against NZ he was one of the stand out players. At beginning of 2016 season, yes he dropped two high balls in different matches ...after that he did not drop a high ball again...or least not to my knowledge....another area where he was vulnerable was not only catching a high ball but avoiding been pushed/ dragged / pulled back for a goal line drop out....whilst occasionally he is still caught out..he has improved his technique to avoid it...but sometimes it almost impossible especially if you got 5 players ensuring you forced out. The other comment on Facebook that he was useless for most of season, was completely inaccurate...as he was injured for most of it not returning until last 8 games...but eventually when back did well in a poor season.
I agree with others , he has been working hard on his defence but I have noted particularly in last match where he was trying to make more metres to get back to attack mode....Got to remember though whilst Mac is the head coach his skills were always in defence....I know he still playing in seniors but when ever I look at our academy players , especially U16s...they are great to watch in attack, very creative...why because of the influence of Rob Burrow...saw it previously in Judah Mazive who was wasted at trinity ...more recently in Harvey Whitely.....so perhaps give Burrow more of a role now than just playing he has the ability then maybe we will see the attack side of Golding again...even if Burrow not used in this capacity..Im confident Golding will develop into one of the games best FBs .