How he rates: David Doherty, Leeds Tykes

David Doherty is one of the most exciting prospects in English rugby. Signing a three-year professional contract with Leeds Tykes last January and pursuing a career in rugby union, turning his back on an equally prosperous league career, must have been a tough decision for the Yorkshire teenager who became the youngest Premiership player in history when he took the field against Northampton in May last year aged 17 years and 95 days. Having served his apprenticeship in both codes, David is emerging not just as an exciting talent but also a mature professional beyond his 18 years.

Scouting new talent in this season's Guinness Premiership is not always easy; it is primarily a competition for the tried and tested. It is packed with household names and as a result the young bucks in the club academies spend their weekends warming the bench - if they are lucky. But Tosh Askew and Jim Mallinder, national academy coaches who have worked with Doherty and watched his fledgling career unfold, both speak highly of him, particularly his pace "off the mark", an ability to beat defenders off both feet, good hands, a strong right-footed kicking game and an equally strong defence. So far, so good: a young man with an all-round game. His work ethic is also impressive; he will set himself skills targets at training and not leave the practice field until he has achieved them, a lesson some more senior pros could take on board.

So I travelled north to Headingley to watch the Leeds-born Doherty play against last season's Premiership champions London Wasps, a good opportunity to discover what this talented son of Irish parents is all about. When scouting a winger it is always useful to see them attacking with ball in hand but, sadly, the Leeds gameplan was not so charitable and the ball rarely moved in Doherty's direction. To his credit, he showed admirable optimism, always setting width, working well with his full-back to nullify the effects of Alex King's kicking game and defending bravely.

Physically, Doherty still has room for development. For those of you with longer memories, my first impressions were of Mike Slemen - elusive, unpredictable and therefore dangerous. He has been well schooled in both union and league, has undoubted pace, agility and a wide range of skills. He will get bigger, faster and stronger, does not shirk contact work and has an excellent understanding of his role as the defensive winger, particularly against a quality kicking game.

I would not be surprised if his all-round ability leads to a spell at full-back, where he can use his kicking and run lines from deep on both sides of the field. If I were to give him a word of advice, it would be to demand the ball more. I know he is young, but when the ball isn't moving to the likes of Tom Voyce, Ben Cohen and Josh Lewsey, they go and find it and demand the opportunity to attack. With a few more games and a little more confidence, I expect Doherty to start demanding more ball and, inevitably, our attention.

Age 18

Position Wing

Height 1.83m

Weight 83kg

From Mount St Mary's School, Leeds

Attitude 8/10

Pace 9/10

Agility 9/10

Kicking 7/10

Positional awareness 8/10

Defence 7/10