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GB hero in the making

Dave Lawrenson
1/12/2005

ANDREW Dunemann is convinced that he can help Luke Robinson to become the half back hero that Great Britain are crying out for.

Salford City Reds' big name summer signing is relishing the prospect of forming a fearsome half back partnership with a player that he considers to be one of the brightest young talents in world rugby.

Dunemann sees chinks in Robinson's armoury.

But the Australian signing from Leeds believes that he can iron out Robinson's deficiencies - just like he did with Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire.

Working with Dunemann every day helped the Leeds duo to establish themselves at Great Britain level.

And Dunemann believes that Robinson has the capabilities to follow suit.

Dunemann said: "I'm 29 and I've got a lot of experience. I love passing on tips to younger players and Rob and Danny would both tell you I helped make them better players. The aim now is to do the same at Salford."

"I don't know too much about Stephen Myler, who has been signed from Widnes. But the other half back at the club, Luke Robinson, is a cracking little player. He has all of the talent in the world but he tries to do too much at times.

"I was exactly the same earlier on in my career. But I've learnt there is only so much one player can do. You can't win games by yourself.

"Luke needs to be more patient as a player. I'm really looking forward to working with him and I'm sure that he can kick on and become a Great Britain half back.

"After watching them in the Tri-Nations this year it is obvious they are crying out for a dominant half back. Luke has the ability to fill that role and I'd love to help him to get there."

Dunemann's words will be music to Robinson's ears.

Working with Adrian Lam at Wigan taught Robinson the value of rubbing shoulders with a master of attacking play and he is just as excited about learning from Dunemann.

The 21-year-old England international said: "I spoke to the Leeds players in the England squad about him and they told me they've never met anyone as competitive as he is.

"He hates losing at anything and that is what we need - players with steel and a winning mentality. He will be a great signing."