QUINS' EXTRA INCENTIVE TO BEAT WIGAN
When London Harlequins play host to Wigan Warriors this Saturday in their Super League XIII opener, they have bigger incentive than usual to beat their north-west rivals.
Both clubs have been busy in the close-season, but most pertinently, erstwhile Quins chairman Ian Lenegan now has his feet under the Warriors' table, having bought out Dave Whelan's 89 per cent majority share in October.
Lenegan, born and bred in Wigan, purchased a majority share in Quins - then London Broncos - three seasons ago, and moved them in with their rugby union counterparts at the Stoop.
Although he will retain his 65 per cent majority share in the London club until a suitable buyer is found, Quins will be chaired by Keith Hogg indefinitely.
A former director at Broncos, Hogg has been busy promoting league in London as well as instilling a winning ethos into the club, who finished ninth in their last campaign.
He said: "This is a dream come true for me. I have been a long-time supporter of the club and now we are entering a new era in the club's history.
"There have been some significant changes to the Harlequins Rugby League set up. We feel very positive about the season to come and the future of Harlequins as well."
Hogg praised Lenegan's decision to continue financing the club, adding: "Ian's commitment to Harlequins has been outstanding and we're fortunate that he will continue to be an investor in the club, although the Wigan game could be a bit tasty now.
"It will be a very intense, competitive game. Ian's return will bring even more intensity to the occasion. The players will want to beat Wigan that little more than usual."
Lenegan afmitted: "It is not the ideal opener - I would have preferred anyone other than Quins."
Coach Brian McDermott has retained a "good nucleus" of last year's squad, and brought in six new players. New captain Rob Purdham is insistent Quins can turn over their rivals.
He said: "Just about everyone is fit and we are in a confident mood. They are a good side, but we're at home and we want to get the season off to a good start. I'm looking forward to it."
COACH: Brian McDermott
CAPTAIN: Rob Purdham
TEAM SPONSOR: Workplace Solutions
LAST YEAR'S SUPER LEAGUE FINISH: 9th
INS: Gareth Haggarty (Salford), Dwayne Barker (Castleford), Danny Ward (Hull KR), David Howell (Canberra), Lamont Bryan, Will Sharp (promoted from youth academy)
OUTS: Paul Sykes (Bradford), Lee Hopkins (retired), Tyrone Smith (Brumbies rugby union), David Mills (Hull KR), Andy Smith (Halifax), Stephen Bannister (Salford)
When London Harlequins play host to Wigan Warriors this Saturday in their Super League XIII opener, they have bigger incentive than usual to beat their north-west rivals.
Both clubs have been busy in the close-season, but most pertinently, erstwhile Quins chairman Ian Lenegan now has his feet under the Warriors' table, having bought out Dave Whelan's 89 per cent majority share in October.
Lenegan, born and bred in Wigan, purchased a majority share in Quins - then London Broncos - three seasons ago, and moved them in with their rugby union counterparts at the Stoop.
Although he will retain his 65 per cent majority share in the London club until a suitable buyer is found, Quins will be chaired by Keith Hogg indefinitely.
A former director at Broncos, Hogg has been busy promoting league in London as well as instilling a winning ethos into the club, who finished ninth in their last campaign.
He said: "This is a dream come true for me. I have been a long-time supporter of the club and now we are entering a new era in the club's history.
"There have been some significant changes to the Harlequins Rugby League set up. We feel very positive about the season to come and the future of Harlequins as well."
Hogg praised Lenegan's decision to continue financing the club, adding: "Ian's commitment to Harlequins has been outstanding and we're fortunate that he will continue to be an investor in the club, although the Wigan game could be a bit tasty now.
"It will be a very intense, competitive game. Ian's return will bring even more intensity to the occasion. The players will want to beat Wigan that little more than usual."
Lenegan afmitted: "It is not the ideal opener - I would have preferred anyone other than Quins."
Coach Brian McDermott has retained a "good nucleus" of last year's squad, and brought in six new players. New captain Rob Purdham is insistent Quins can turn over their rivals.
He said: "Just about everyone is fit and we are in a confident mood. They are a good side, but we're at home and we want to get the season off to a good start. I'm looking forward to it."
COACH: Brian McDermott
CAPTAIN: Rob Purdham
TEAM SPONSOR: Workplace Solutions
LAST YEAR'S SUPER LEAGUE FINISH: 9th
INS: Gareth Haggarty (Salford), Dwayne Barker (Castleford), Danny Ward (Hull KR), David Howell (Canberra), Lamont Bryan, Will Sharp (promoted from youth academy)
OUTS: Paul Sykes (Bradford), Lee Hopkins (retired), Tyrone Smith (Brumbies rugby union), David Mills (Hull KR), Andy Smith (Halifax), Stephen Bannister (Salford)
Labels: Harlequins Rugby League, Ian Lenegan, Keith Hogg, Rugby league, Super League
