Huw Anderson urged to keep playing with freedom for Dragons
Co-captain O'Brien is full of praise for his fellow full-back after he caught the eye in a challenging United Rugby Championship campaign.
The 20-year-old from Caerphilly made his professional debut in 2023/24 but it was last season when he really stepped up.
Anderson made his first start at Newcastle in the Challenge Cup and scored the club's try of the season with a rapid counter-attack.
He ended with 13 appearances and four tries while he topped the Dragons' charts in the URC for clean breaks (15), offloads (9) and metres gained (708).
O'Brien, who can play fly-half as well as full-back, was encouraged by the former Wales Under-20s international's displays.
RAPID: Huw Anderson on the run for the Dragons (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency)
'Huw has been brilliant and played with confidence and freedom,' he said. 'His first thought is always to have a crack and look for space, he is very good on the ball and at beating defenders.
'The coaches want us to play what is in front of us and use our super strengths; his are running with the ball and beating defenders.
'If he keeps working hard – and I am sure he will – then he has a very good career in front of him.'
Anderson was joined in stepping up by Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Evan Minto, Harri Ford, Harry Rees-Weldon and Owain James.
Forwards Ryan Woodman and Brodie Coghlan and centre Joe Westwood also added to their experience
'It wasn't a great season in terms of results but young players like Huw really stood up, and that's important for the future of the region.'
Anderson and O'Brien will battle for the 15 jersey with Ewan Rosser and Cai Evans, who is eyeing an autumn return from a ruptured Achilles.
O'Brien and Evans have a new rival at fly-half in Tinus de Beer, who is joining from Cardiff.
'I've worked with Huw on different parts of his game and tried to use my experience to help him,' said the 30-year-old from Caerleon.
'Competition is what we need and want, it should bring the best out of people, and i am a big fan of Tinus having watched him at Cardiff. I'm looking forward to him coming in.'
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