Mindset key for Saints record breaker Freeman, says boss Dowson

Freeman is now top of the charts for the black, green and gold after he notched his 51st and 52nd PREM tries for Saints in the 41-17 defeat at Leicester Tigers.

The 25-year-old was previously level with Ben Cohen on 50, but he has now moved out in front on his own.

And Dowson said: "Tommy's clearly very important to us and he's a very high quality player. His try-scoring record is testament to that as well as the fact the team has been playing well and scoring lots of points as a group.

"Tommy's ability to do that and the record he holds for scoring in every Six Nations game in a campaign goes to show what a great finisher he is and the quality of player he is."

When asked what has impressed him most about Freeman, Dowson said: "His desire to improve. His mindset is what sets him apart.

"Physically he's very gifted because he's fast, he's big, he's got the ability to time and jump in the air, he's got a great skill level so he can beat you in lots of different ways, going round you, through you, over the top of you and also being able to chip and regather.

"He's very talented.”

When asked when Freeman first came to his attention, Dowson explained: “(Saints head of Academy) Mark Hopley would talk to us all as a coaching group around who's coming through the Academy.

“Tommy dropped out of the Leicester Tigers Academy and Mark Hopley thought he saw lots of ability in him so we gave him the opportunity.

“Then, once you see him moving around a rugby pitch with his natural athleticism, you realise there's a lot in there, and he's a great lad as well, which is obviously hugely important.

“He's a good man in the environment, he's great fun and his heart's in the right place.”