History will be kind to me because I intend to write it

MANLY WIN WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE WARM-UP

Australian NRL champions Manly Sea Eagles had to wait until the 68th minute to take the lead in their warm-up friendly with Harlequins ahead of next Sunday’s World Club Challenge against Super League champions Leeds Rhinos.

And though they ended winning 34-26 Manly, who have not played in a competitive match since their Grand Final success in October, were simply pleased to have a run out.

They rested their big names until the second half – and Harlequins took advantage, scoring 20 unanswered points before the break and only lost the lead with 12 minutes remaining.

The home side first crossed against Manly’s second-string team after six minutes through winger Jon Wells before captain Rob Purdham powered over eight minutes later.

Tries from Chad Randall and Luke Dorn completed the scoring for the first-half. But having rung the changes at the break, Manly soon showed why they are so highly regarded. Winger Michael Robertson scored a brace within seven minutes of the restart.

And though David Howell hit back with a try for Quins, with 20 minutes left on the clock it was all about the Australians.

There were touches of class in attack and further scores came from David Williams, Brett Stewart, former St Helens star Jamie Lyon and Stever Matai.

Manly coach Des Hasler said: “The first 40 we had a lot of young kids out there but they will have got a lot from it. We looked pretty good in the second half and there were no injury concerns, so that’s good.”

Brian McDermott, the Quins coach, added: “It was good for the players to have the challenge. I thought we did some good stuff.

“We were pleased with the score at the break but we knew it would change in the second half.”

Harlequins
Tries: Wells, Purdham, Randall, Dorn, Howell
Goals: Purdam 1, Orr 1, Gale 1

Manly Sea Eagles
Tries: Robertson 2, Williams, Stewart, Lyon, Matai
Goals: Orford 2, Lyon 1, Matai

Labels: Harlequins Rugby League, Manly Sea Eagles

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:47 pm | Permalink | Comments

HEINEKEN CUP ROUND-UP

London Wasps head coach, Shaun Edwards, has warned his team that they need to lift their game against Leinster next month if they are to stand a chance of progressing to the last eight of the Heineken Cup.

Following their scrappy 19-11 victory over Edinburgh at Adams’ Park on Sunday – a game in which fly-half Dave Walder scored all of the home team’s points – the Guinness Premiership champions are three points behind Pool Two leaders Leinster, who slipped up at Castres on Saturday.

Leinster coach Michael Cheika has called January 17’s Twickenham showdown against Wasps “a final”, and Edwards hopes that his side treat it with such importance. “When the big games come I would like to think we can up our performance levels,” said the 42-year-old.

“At the start of the season we were losing close games and now we are starting to get the right side of these narrow margins now. But we need to up our form for Leinster.”

On Saturday Harlequins’ last-gasp win over Stade Français put them in pole position in Pool Four. Following 29 phases Quins’ All Black No10 Nick Evans managed to squeeze over his drop goal to take Dean Richards’s team to 19-17 and retain their 100 per cent record.

"That was probably the ugliest drop-goal I have hit in my life, but it doesn't matter how they go over – they all count," smiled the 28-year-old who kicked 14 points in all, while centre Jordan Turner-Hall crossed for a try in the first half.

Richards believes that his team can further improve, however. “I thought the whole team showed a huge amount of patience,” said the 45-year-old. “To not give away a penalty or turn over the ball in that final move shows how they have matured.

“It was a fantastic win but there were times when we didn't play as we said we wanted to play and nearly threw away a couple of opportunities. We will take everything from it we can because we have still got to learn from it.”

Labels: Dave Walder, Harlequins Rugby League, London Wasps, Nick Evans, Shaun Edwards

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 9:27 pm | Permalink | Comments

QUINS' EXITING TRIO LEAVE WITH WIN OVER CATALANS

Harlequins' exiting trio of Scott Hill, Julian Rinaldi and Henry Paul were influential in their final game for the club, as the London club defeated third-placed Catalans Dragons 34–24 at the Stoop.

The visitors started off the stronger and broke the deadlock, after their pressure told, through an Aaron Gorrell penalty after 10 minutes.

Four minutes later Australian centre Adam Mogg sold a dummy and dived between the posts. Gorrell easily converted to take Catalans eight points up.

Stand-off Hill, 31, then instigated Quins’ fight-back on 19 minutes, as it was his clever pass that set 22-year-old winger Will Sharp on a 60 metre run that ended in a converted try. It was the speedster’s seventh try in an impressive debut season.

Two tries from Chad Randall, both converted by captain Rob Purdham, took the score to 22-8 at the break. Frenchman Rinaldi, off the interchange bench, then crashed over with 20 minutes remaining before the Catalans hit back.

Tries from Casey McGuire and winger Dimitri Pelo (2) brought the French club to within four points with only eight minutes remaining, but the home side ensured the result when Rinaldi crossed the whitewash again and Paul added the extra goal.

Though the win did not lift Quins from a tenth-place finish in the Super League, it was a fitting result for the departing trio, who were given a hearty send off by the Stoop faithful.

The Catalans, who were without leading-scorer Thomas Bosc, will hope to perform better when they host Warrington Wolves in their play-off match next Saturday.

Labels: Harlequins Rugby League, Super League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 8:39 pm | Permalink | Comments

SHARP AND HILL INSPIRE QUINS' BOUNCE BACK TO BEAT BULLS

Harlequins stand-off Scott Hill reminded his coach Brian McDermott what he will be missing next season, after having a hand in four out of his team’s seven tries as they scored three times in the last six minutes to snatch a 36-24 victory over Bradford Bulls at the Twickenham Stoop. It was their first win in six games, and provides a sliver of hope for a play-off place with four rounds remaining.

Hill, capped six times for Australia, is to hang up his boots at the conclusion of the campaign and move back to his homeland to enjoy family life. When asked whether a big name replacement was being lined up, the usually loquacious McDermott offered: “Yes. But I’m not saying who yet. I expect there will be an announcement by the end of the season. Scott showed his class today, and was very influential, especially in the first half. That bit of class and experience saw us through.”

The performance of winger Will Sharp, in his first year out of the academy, gave cause for optimism, as he touched down a hat-trick of tries for McDermott’s side, who were impressive on the back of their woeful 66-12 mauling at home to bottom-club Castleford. “He has greatly improved,” McDermott said of the 22-year-old. “He looks erratic, like the Wildman of Borneo, but there is actually quite a lot of skill to him. He just gets better and better.”

Hill, 31, was instrumental as Harlequins stormed to a 22-0 lead in the first half. Quins broke the deadlock on 17 minutes through full-back Chris Melling, who was sent under the posts by prop Danny Ward’s scissors move.

Four minutes later Hill found second row and captain Robert Purdham, tipped by McDermott to be in Tony Smith’s World Cup squad come October, who flicked a clever pass to send Sharp over for the first time. With five minutes of the half remaining Hill offloaded to Purdham in the tackle and the 28-year-old found centre David Howell on the overlap. Two minutes later Hill, sensing another numerical advantage, fizzed a pass to Purdham, on the half-way line, who shipped on to Howell. Sharp was in support to score in the left corner.

Bradford, missing half-back Paul Deacon, and with Sam Burgess, Glenn Morrison and Tame Tupou out for the season, fought back well after the interval, scoring 24 unanswered points. Tries from Simon Finnigan, Semi Tadulala, Ben Jeffries and Andy Lynch, and four Lestyn Harris goals handed Bulls the lead until six minutes before the final hooter.

Rikki Sheriffe then dropped on a Danny Orr grubber kick and three minutes later Hill fed Tony Clubb for another score. With the last play of the match Joe Mbu laid on Sharp, who completed his hat-trick.

On his team’s chances of making the play-offs – they are four points behind Bradford, who still occupy sixth – McDermott added: “It is round 24 next week and we are not going to do anything different. We will just crack on and see what happens. We are disappointed to even be in this position, but there are some things that have been taken out of our hands with injuries and suspensions.

“But today the lads were outstanding. About five times this year we have been pipped at the end of the match, and that has hurt us. So it was a relief, more than anything, to win, especially as the momentum had changed so much in the second half.”

Bulls coach Steve McNamara was “bitterly disappointed” with the Bulls’ first half showing, and the result. His injury woes may worsen too, as second row David Solomona hoppled off. “We gave ourselves a lot to do after that first half,” he fumed. “Then we had put ourselves in a position to win, but couldn’t hold on. We are far better than that and should have been stronger.”

HARLEQUINS: Melling; Sharp, Howell, Clubb, Sheriffe; Hill, Orr; Haggerty, Randell, Ward, Grayshon, Purdham, Paul

Interchange: Rinaldi, Temata, Mbu, Heckenburg

TRIES: Melling, Sharp (3), Howell, Sheriffe, Clubb
GOALS: Purdham 4 (7)

BRADFORD BULLS: Platt; Halley, Sykes, Evans, Tadulala; Jeffries, Harries; Vagana, Newton, Lynch, Solomona, Finnigan, Langley

Interchange: Cook, Nero, Godwin, Kopczak,

TRIES: Finnigan, Tadulala, Jeffries, Lynch
GOALS: Harris 4 (4)

REFEREE: MR ASHLEY KLEIN

Labels: Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League, Super League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 8:26 pm | Permalink | Comments

DRAGONS EDGE OUT HARLEQUINS WITH LAST GASP TRY IN DOWNPOUR

The Catalan Dragons recorded their seventh straight victory by narrowly defeating Harlequins 32-26 on an unseasonably inclement evening at Stade Gilbert Brutus in Perpignan – the first downpour in five months, according to anoraked local reporters. After a brave second-half comeback by Quins, 14-0 down at the break, the result had been in doubt right down to the final hooter. Had visiting captain Rob Purdham not missed three attempts at goal, it could have dampened the French side’s play-off beano. But, as lighting forked in the sky, Clint Greenshield’s last minute try proved a fitting end to an incredible game.

Having achieved their first objective of cementing their place in September’s play-offs for the first time last Sunday after overcoming Hull FC, the French clubs’ objectives have been modified. Such is their confidence, in only their third season, they now believe they can hunt down Super League leaders St Helens and Leeds Rhinos, who, with four rounds of the normal season to play, have a solitary point advantage.

For Brian McDermott’s Harlequins, who brought over torrential rain from London, things don’t look so rosy. This poor first half showing followed a 54-0 whipping at home to league-leaders St Helens last Saturday, and was their fifth defeat in the last six outings. But after a steely second-half performance McDermott will be heartened, and hopeful of catching Bradford Bulls, who currently occupy sixth place.

Despite conditions that produced comic slides and puddling that Worcestershire’s cricketers would empathise with, Mick Potter’s team, powered by a ferocious forward pack, managed to play bright rugby league. Captain Casey McGuire slipped through a Harlequins tackle on the line to open the scoring after 11 minutes. French scrum-half Thomas Bosc added the extra two points before converting a penalty conceded by the frustrated visitors, starved of possession, ten minutes later.

To underline their first half domination, prop Alex Chan, who leaves the French side at the end of the year, powered over for a converted try after 23 minutes. At 14-0 down at the break, Quins were already wishing they were on the plane back to London Stansted. But former marine McDermott attempted to shake Quins from their lethargy during the interval, and it very nearly worked.

Two minutes after the restart they had pulled a converted score back when Henry Paul’s grubber kick stopped in the water before Scott Hill dived on the ball. Four minutes later Bosc’s pass was intercepted by centre Tony Clubb who raced 70 metres. They then got their noses in front as Rikki Sheriffe touched down after McGuire failed in his attempt to knock the ball dead. Quins skipper Rob Purdham missed his first goal, but his side lead 16-14 with half an hour remaining.

Then Catalans’ full-back and leading scorer Greenshilds, slipped in by Bosc, crashed over for his 14th Super League try after 58 minutes before Chad Randall immediately hit back for the London side. Purdham again fluffed his kick to set up a knife-edge final 20 minutes with the score tied at 20-all.

Olivier Elima thought he had won it for the home side when he slid over with seven minutes remaining, but Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook dropped on a kick with three minutes left. Then, with the final throw of the dice, Bosc skied a kick that Greenshield’s managed to collect and score with, to send the colourful Catalan supports into raptures of delight.

Potter’s club had shocked traditionalists by reaching the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley last August, but in achieving the play-offs they have finally silenced those who criticised the experiment to afford them Super League status. On this performance, full of character, and with this great run, it would surprise no one if they returned for Wembley this year, this time for the Grand Final. If they can inflict defeat on Leeds next week and Wigan Warriors a fortnight later, there is every chance that they will be top of the tree going into September, and gain a favourable draw en route to Super League success.

Catalans: Clint Greenshields, Justin Murphy, John Wilson, Sebastien Raguin, Younes Khattabi, Adam Mogg, Thomas Bosc, Alex Chan, Casey McGuire (captain), Olivier Elima, Jason Croker, Gregory Mounis, Dane Carlaw
Interchange: Jerome Guisset, Remi Casty, Florian Quintilla, Julien Touxagas

Tries: McGuire, Chan, Greenshields 2, Elima
Goals: Bosc 6 (6)

Harlequins: Rikki Sheriffe, Jon Wells, Tony Clubb, David Howell, Will Sharp, Scott Hill, Danny Orr, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Chad Randall, Danny Ward, Robert Purdham (captain), Michael Worrincy, Henry Paul

Interchange: Daniel Heckenberg, Jon Grayshon, Dave Tootill, Dwayne Barker

Tries: Hill, Clubb, Sheriffe, Randall, McCarthy-Scarsbrook
Goals: Purdham 3 (6)

Labels: Harlequins Rugby League, Les Catalan Dragons, Super League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 11:55 pm | Permalink | Comments

McDERMOTT CELEBRATES NEW CONTRACT WITH A WIN OVER TABLE-TOPPERS LEEDS RHINOS

Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League head coach, capped off a great week with an outstanding victory 28-24 at the Stoop in the Super League against table-toppers Leeds Rhinos. The former marine signed a new contract in midweek which ties him to the London club until 2011. His injury-hit troops showed their commitment by providing a lung-bursting effort which inflicted a first defeat in ten games for Brian McLennan’s Rhinos – the team who knocked Quins out of the Challenge Cup last month.

In a pulsating match two maiden tries from winger Will Sharp coupled with Leeds’ Kevin Sinfield’s three missed goals helped lift McDermott’s team to seventh in the table. “That was one of my most satisfying wins,” beamed the 38-year-old. “We kept them out well unlike we did in the Challenge Cup. That shows that we are learning and heading in the right direction. I can see the potential down here and that’s why I signed a new contract. I’m pleased that my name will be associated with promoting rugby league in London.”

Twenty-two-year-old Londoner Sharp, threaded in by quick passes from Hill and David Howell, recorded his Super League first try after Rhinos’ Jamie Peacock had opened the scoring on four minutes. And stand-off Hill scored himself in the seventeenth minute, having spotted a gap in the Rhinos’ under-pressure defence.

McLennan’s Rhinos thought they had levelled the game with 15 minutes of the first half remaining, but Rob Burrow’s try was disallowed because of obstruction. To compound matters, Henry Paul knocked over the resulting penalty.

Leeds did score again before the interval when last season’s Super League top scorer Scott Donald went over having caught Burrow’s miss-pass. Sinfield added the extras to make it 14-12 at the break.

Quins’ scrum-half Chad Randell wriggled over eight minutes after the restart but Leeds pulled the score back to 20-16 with 23 minutes remaining when winger Keith Senior charged over in the left corner. Sinfield missed his conversion, with the ball cruelly rebounding off the upright.

Rhinos frustrations began to show and a melee broke out with 14 minutes left on the clock. Senior was deemed to have initiated the 10-man scuffle and was sin-binned, as was Quins’ Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook. Paul punished Leeds by lacing over the resulting penalty in a perfect kicking game.

Sharp then scored his second try, dropping on Hill’s inch-perfect grubber kick. New Zealander Paul then added his sixth goal, but Rhinos hit back immediately though Burrow.

From a similar angle to his earlier miss Sinfield, loudly heckled by Quins fans, saw his effort bounce out from the other post. When Donald went over for his second try with four minutes left, loose forward Sinfield, clearly shaken by the pressure, fluffed his third kick and McDermott’s team held on for a fantastic win.

“The lads are disappointed but the best team won,” conceded McLennan. “They constantly but more pressure on us than we did them.

“I don’t think we have been going too well for the last two or three weeks. They ran harder and did all the basics better than we did. They are a physical team and they dominated us, but a bit of adversity will do us good.”


Harlequins
Tries: Sharp 2, Hill, Randall
Goals: Paul 6 (6)

Rhinos
Tries: Peacock, Donald, Senior, Burrow
Goals: Sinfield 2 (5)

Labels: Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League, Leeds Rhinos, Super League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 7:49 pm | Permalink | Comments

LOWES OFF TO PERFECT START FOR WOLVES

Warrington Wolves stand-in coach James Lowes got off to the best possible start as his team recorded their first win in four games and moved into the final play-off berth after beating Harlequins 40-24 at the Stoop.

Lowes’ team scored two converted tries early through Chris Riley and Louis Anderson but the home team levelled the game 12-12 by the interval with tries from youngsters Tony Clubb and Mike Worrincy and goals from returning captain Rob Purdham.

But Lowes pepped up the Wolves and after the break Martin Gleeson, Michael Monaghan, Matt King and Jon Clarke scored 24 unanswered points in 20 minutes to take the score to 36-12, with Chris Hicks adding the extras.

Quins came back through tries from Gareth Haggerty and Rikki Sheriffe, but Riley went over again late on for Wolves and Brian McDermott’s team slumped to their fifth defeat in the last six games.

Lowes, who has aspirations to become Paul Cullen’s full-time successor, said: “It was fantastic to win and it is good to be involved.

“I don’t know what is going to happen – it’s no clearer. I’m just going to keep my head down and keep working and enjoying it while I can.”

Quins coach McDermott added: “I think Jimmy would make a very good head coach. I think he is the right man for the job.”

Labels: Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League, James Lowes, Super League, Warrington Wolves

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:21 pm | Permalink | Comments

RHINOS ADVANCE TO THE SIXTH ROUND AT THE EXPENCE OF QUINS IN SCORCHING ENCOUNTER

Leeds Rhinos edged out Harlequins 36-26 in a scintillating fifth round encounter at The Stoop on Sunday. Down 24-4 with just over a half hour remaining, momentum then swung Harlequins’ way as they stormed to 26-24, only for Jason Peacock to ruin the party with a try three minutes from the final hooter.

“That was one hell of a cup tie,” Leeds coach Brian McLennan said. “It was hot and in the second half we had a lack of possession but we hung in there.”

But only just. The Rhinos tumbled out of last year’s competition at the this stage at the hands of Wigan Warriors and it looked as though the London club would trump them too after a scorching second half display.

Two tries each for Henry Paul, who also kicked three goals, and Danny Orr, along with Tony Clubb’s score, were not quite enough for the home side who looked dead and buried at the break.

On the back of two defeats, Quins were sluggish in the baking heat to begin with, and a mistake from winger Will Sharp on his starting debut, allowed Leeds’ Ben Jones-Bishop to open the scoring on 12 minutes.

Clubb muscled a try back for Quins before Danny McGuire scored his first of three in the afternoon for Leeds. A converted try by Scott Donald took Leeds to 18-4 at the interval. McGuire dropped on Matt Diskin’s kick three minutes after the break before the London club’s fight back.

Orr, captain in the absence of injured Rob Purdham, side-stepped over five minutes later. Paul then scored twice in four minutes before scrum half Orr wriggled over again to take his team in front for the first time, only for Peacock to break the hearts of the Harlequins fans. McGuire scored at the death before Kevin Sinfield laced his sixth goal in a perfect kicking game.

“The lads are pissed off,” offered Harlequins coach Brian McDermott. “We have been outstanding for three weeks and we are frustrated not to be winning. I don’t think Leeds stepped off the gas at all but we stepped up.”

Harlequins: Wells, Sharp, Gafa, Howell, Sheriffe, Paul, Orr; Temata, Randell, Ward, Clubb, Worrincy, Mbu

Interchange: Rinaldi, Melling, Haggerty, Grayshon

Tries: Clubb, Orr 2, Paul 2
Goals: Paul 3 (5)

Leeds Rhinos:

Jones-Bishop, Hall, Watkins, Senior, Donald, McGuire, Burrow; Leuluai, Tansey, Scrutton, Abet, Peacock, Sinfield

Interchange: Diskin, Ellis, Worrall, Allan

Tries: Jones-Bishop, McGuire 3, Donald, Peacock
Goals: Sinfield 6 (6)

Referee: Ian Smith

Labels: Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League, Leeds Rhinos, Rob Purdham

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 7:09 pm | Permalink | Comments

CHALLENGE CUP FIFTH ROUND DRAW

Harlequins will host last year's Super League Grand Final winners in the Fifth Round of the Challenge Cup - though the London club's coach, Brian McDermott, believes that his team will thrive on being the underdogs.
He said: "The Rhinos are superb but we will be pressure-free against Leeds. They will be expected to win so the pressure will be on them.

"Their coach Brian McClennan has come out and said that he wants Leeds to win the Cup. "I think he has every right to think that too, with the team he has got and the way they are playing. I don't think that is any arrogance on their part. "We will do the best we can." The fifth round ties will be played on May 9, 10 and 11.

The draw in full is:
Hull KR v Huddersfield
Barrow v Wakefield
Dewsbury v Oldham
Bradford v Catalans
Wigan v Whitehaven
Widnes v Hull FC
Harlequins RL V Leeds
St Helens v Warrington

Labels: Challenge Cup, Harlequins Rugby League, Leeds Rhinos

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 2:46 pm | Permalink | Comments

PAUL TO JOIN LEEDS CARNEGIE FROM QUINS RL

Henry Paul is to be unveiled by Guinness Premiership club Leeds Carnegie on Wednesday morning having agreed to move for next season with the best wishes of his current coach, Brian McDermott.

The New Zealander declined to extend his contract with Harlequins Rugby League beyond October, and will move to newly-relegated Leeds when Super League XIII concludes.

The 34-year-old crossed codes from league to union originally in 2001 when he moved to Gloucester from Bradford Bulls before moving back to league with Quins two years ago.

Paul won the first of his six international caps for England at centre under Sir Clive Woodward, but missed out on winning the World Cup in 2003.

While at rugby league club Wigan Warriors Paul won every trophy possible in the game before moving to Bradford Bulls where he was successful as well.

Harlequins head coach McDermott praised the achievements of his departing player. He said: "There are not too many people who can leave the game without regrets. But Henry couldn't have done any more in the game - he can sleep easy.

"He has put so much into rugby league and has such leadership and presence. When he does retire he can say he has left no stone unturned in rugby league.

"Two years ago he decided that he wanted one last throw of the dice in rugby league and he can leave the game pleased. Henry has been great in bringing on the younger members of the first team squad.

"But he is doing such a good job that when he leaves at the end of the year one of the young lads will be ready to take his place.

"While it will be a sad loss to the club - he has been great for us in the last two years - we are quite prepared to move on.

"Henry competes for us every single week - he has been pretty big for us this year. He will continue to be huge for us, even though it looks as though he will be leaving.

"It doesn't surprise me that he is going to Leeds Carnegie - he enjoyed his union when he played for Gloucester. Henry has to go where he feels it will be best for his family - I'm in total agreement with him."

Labels: Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League, Henry Paul

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 2:45 pm | Permalink | Comments

LONDON CALLING

A mere drop-kick from Twickenham Stadium, rugby union's high temple in south-west London, there can be found an alternative attraction for an increasing number of Londoners, interested in rugby of a different kind. The Stoop, home of Harlequins Rugby League, is their Mecca, and Head Coach Brian McDermott has made it his mission to nurture and harvest the blooming local talent, which for so long has been in the
shade.

"It is bearing fruit, but it needs a lot of tending and fertilizer and watering every single day," suggests McDermott. "We are not there yet." The ex-Royal Marine is proud of what is being done, though he knows that the hard work is only just beginning.

"I have been given a great opportunity down here - I'm coaching probably the most important team in Super League," the former Bradford Bulls prop continues. "In the last few years the work has totally consumed my life and my family's life, but it's a great job.

"We have to crack rugby league down here and make it big, so as to produce our own. It is a dream and ambition of mine to win the Grand Final or the Challenge Cup and have a captain with a cockney accent on television."

New director Keith Hogg, who took the reins from Wigan-bound Ian Leneganin October, has the same vision. He says: "This club is more than capable of winning Super League in the next five years, and the heart of the team will be made up of players from London and the south. It will not happen overnight, but we must not lose sight of that goal."

The new licences, which stipulate that at least 10 club-trained players must be in the squad by 2012, will be a boon not only to development in the south, but the game in general. Hogg adds: "The introduction of the licence means we now have a lot more focus and support for the development of rugby league players in the London region. This is very important for the growth of the sport."

Attempts to establish rugby league in London, away from the northern heartland, are nothing new. In 1930 three clubs - London Highfield, Acton and Willesden and Streatham and Mitcham - briefly sparkled before folding after a year. The problems in developing the game in the south have always been the same: higher capital; local competition with the more popular football and rugby union; and imported players, from up the M1 and M6 or abroad, who find it difficult to adjust and commit long term.

In the 1980s, after a gap of half a century when league was played exclusively in the north, Fulham Football Club introduced a rugby league sister team. Former Widnes skipper Reg Bowden became player-coach and Fulham enjoyed an impressive first season. But a decade of struggle on and off the pitch followed. The next reincarnation was as the London Crusaders in 1991, before Australian APL club Brisbane Broncos bought
them out three years later.

The London Broncos were invited by the RFL to be part of the inaugural Super League in 1996, and with a number of Antipodeans and a large kitty, the club were a success, finishing Super League runners-up in 1997 and Challenge Cup finalists in 1999. However, when Lenegan bought the Broncos in 2005 and rebranded the club Harlequins, the sister club of the famous union team, he wanted to focus on producing local talent.

Erstwhile coach Tony Rea, who starred for the Broncos in that first Super League season, had a big hand in altering the blueprint of importing expensive players, and those foundations have been built upon by McDermott, who replaced the Australian in July 2006.

This season, the first team squad of 25 can now boast six young Londoners, and there are many more working their way up through the academy. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Michael Worrincy, both 22, and 21-year-old Tony Clubb are the cream of the current crop. Prop or second row McCarthy-Scarsbrook, in particular, has fast become a cult hero at The Stoop. Aside from the vast amount of replica shirts he sells,
McCarthy-Scarsbrook has been mooted as a future England international, though his impressive start to Super League XIII has been curtailed by a broken wrist.

Born on the Isle of Dogs, the ebullient McCarthy-Scarsbrook enjoyed flinging himself between football posts for the South of England XI until he was 16 when a schoolmaster introduced him and classmate Worrincy to league, and they caught the bug. "Back then I was a fat kid wearing a scrum hat, and had my hands on backwards," grins the player who McDermott now calls 'the Enforcer'. "Four years ago I wouldn't have dreamt I would be been playing Super League rugby with Quins. As a Londoner it is awesome to be playing for the club."

He is positive that the game is being offered to an increasing number of locals, and the quality in the Academy is proof that things are improving. "You can feel the buzz around Harlequins, with London kids wanting to play," he continues. "That buzz wasn't around a few years ago, when we were looking for the Australians to come over. But now if you look at the Academy you can see that there is an abundance of talent
coming through. We should have a full London team within the next couple of years!"

The man at the coalface in charge of unearthing local talent is 37-year-old Phil Jones, who McDermott chiefly credits for the success of the Academy. "Phil, our player performance manager, has put in an immense amount of work over the last six or seven years," says McDermott. "If we can keep these youngsters at the club and interested, I believe we can have a genuine conveyor belt at this club."

Jones, who joined the Broncos a decade ago, has now developed a scouting network monitoring youths in London and the Home Counties for Harlequins and has vastly improved the Academy and scholarship programmes. Though there has been success in the form of Londoners in the first team, Jones believes that disseminating the game to the very young is paramount to producing future McCarthy-Scarsbrooks.

"It isn't a vast pool," he suggests. "We have only dipped our foot in the water these last two years. Our seven scouts watch a whole range of age groups - from 13 to 20-year olds. But at this fledgling stage the young ones are very important. We need to encourage those kids to keep playing rugby league.

"Success breeds success and the system is shown to be working as we are getting numbers in the first team. That we have locals in the team is a big recruitment tool for us. It is starting to change the mindset of the lads in the Academy as they can see what, with a lot of hard work, they could achieve.

"It's hugely satisfying and exciting when one of our guys breaks into the first team. I'm as nervous as they are - I want them to do really well. And it's good for the crowd - they are a lot more forgiving and encouraging, as they want to see local lads do well."

In March, two of Quins' youngsters - centre Darren Reed and prop Olsi Krasniqi - represented England U16s in two Tests against France. Joe Mbu, now 24, was the last player from the club to play at U16 level for England. "It's not the be all and end all, but it is a good indication that things are improving," offers Jones.

"Certainly more people are being exposed to rugby league in London now - there are more people playing in clubs down here than ever before. We are starting to bear the fruits, but in four or five years you can imagine it will be completely transformed, just by the amount of activity that is going on.

"If you look at the gene pool in London - the diverse ethnicity, the size of Londoners - if it is handled correctly, a long way down the line, we might be producing lots of players for the rest of the country as well as ourselves."

Jones believes that hard-working McDermott is key to the success of the talent production line. He regularly watches over scholarship programmes and the academy training sessions, as well as providing workshops and seminars to support London coaches. "Tony (Rea) started the process, but Brian has chased it on to another level," Jones says.

"He is very positive, and always wants to know about how the lads are playing, which is exciting. For example, in the close season we had a scholarship camp for 13 to 16-year- olds and Brian came down to all but two of the 15 training sessions, which pushed the coaches and therefore the kids. I don't know if that is on offer anywhere else.

"I think that interaction and support for the coaches has brought the other London clubs closer to us. They want to get their players into the Harlequins Academy. Everyone is working towards one vision and we want to make Harlequins into a really successful club."

And 38-year-old McDermott, whose contract is due to expire at the conclusion of the current season, is fully committed to the cause. His team have, with the help of the six southern youngsters, impressed this season, and if it weren't for injuries to pivotal players they would be higher up the Super League.

His tireless stamina and determined attitude is epitomised on the field by captain and loose forward Rob Purdham - another player, along with McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Rikki Sheriffe ("one of the three best wingers in the country"), touted by McDermott to be in with a shout of boarding England's World Cup plane to Australia in October.

"I would take Rob to war, and I would follow him to war," says McDermott. "He is a great leader for the boys. He is very like Jamie Peacock, in that he provides tackle busts, offloads and try passes. He can break games for us."

Down the line, McDermott does not rule out the possibility of becoming England head coach - the position currently held by Tony Smith, who he worked under as assistant at Leeds Rhinos before moving south - though for now he is more than happy with his London gig. "I would be hugely proud to be in charge of the national team, though I don't think it will ever happen," he continues. "It is just a fuzzy thought when I have my cup of tea now and then.

"I have to earn my stripes to stand a chance. First I have to produce a conveyor belt of talent in London, and secondly I want to win a competition with Quins. I have invested my guts down here for the past two years and I will be seeing my end through whatever. While I am here the job will have all I can give.

"At the start of the season we made some internal goals, targets that are higher than you might think, so as to push ourselves. But we have come up against teams in the top four and we've been beaten comfortably. When we have stepped into the ring with the big boys, we haven't shown up or done the business, which has been disappointing. If we are successful on the pitch everything else will be a success too - the crowds, sponsorship and interest in the game down south."

There is no doubting his passion for the task - he signs off every match-day programme column with 'Be proud of rugby league in London ... I am'. With McDermott at the helm, and everyone pulling the same way at Harlequins, his dream of hearing a winning cockney captain on television could happen sooner than you think.

FIVE YOUNG QUINS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Tony Clubb
12.06.1987
Centre / Wing

BM: “Tony might not be the tallest bloke, but he is big and muscular. He has got a decent amount of speed and skill too. Unlike most of the young fellas, who are sometimes timid, I’m almost reining in his aggression. He will be in with a shout for international honours in the future.”

Michael Worrincy
16.02.1986
Prop / Loose forward

BM: “Mike was one of the first to stand up against Bradford at Odsal. He’s a big, strong lad and he made some important try-saving tackles and carries. He has a bit of seniority about him, and good rugby league awareness, which is encouraging.”

Will Sharp
13.05.1986
Centre / Wing

BM: “Will is as mad as a hatter, a cracking guy. Put him on the field with the ball in his hand and he will not stop running. He runs his heart out, earns lots of yards. You need people to step up and do the ugly stuff and he is one of those.”

Lamont Bryan
04.12.1988
Centre / Full back

BM: “Lamont is a great character but has not had a chance yet, though I dare say he will do at some point this year. He has got speed and he’s immensely powerful. He’s got a promising career ahead – with hard work and application he will make it.”

Joe Walsh
13.01.1988
Prop / Loose forward

BM: “Joe has been brave enough to make the trip down from the north and he will be a better player and person for it, getting out of the comfort zone. He has had a couple of games for us but his time will definitely come.”

Labels: Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Super League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 2:45 pm | Permalink | Comments

QUINS BLEW LEGS OFF CAS

Harlequins head coach Brian McDermott praised his players who, after being 14-0 down at half-time, scored 44 unanswered points against Castleford Tigers in the Challenge Cup Fourth Round at the Stoop.

And rather than take credit for an inspiring half-time team talk, the former Royal Marine admitted that it was the players who knew what they had to do to put things right against the Tigers, currently bottom of the Super League.

“I don’t think we played that poorly in the first half,” McDermott said. “Even though we were 14-0 down at the break, the message was not, ‘Holy moly, what’s happened?’ We knew we could get back in the game.

“I have never seen a game where the momentum has shifted so much. The players had all the right things to say at the break. They knew what was wrong – I did not say anything that turned it around. I thought they had it covered and I left half way through. They went out there and absolutely blew the legs off Castleford.”

After Michael Shenton and Adam Fletcher scored for the visitors, Danny Orr, Tony Clubb, Gareth Haggerty, David Howell, Chad Randall, Joe Mbu and Danny Ward crossed the whitewash for Quins.

Labels: Brian McDermott, Castleford Tigers, Harlequins Rugby League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 9:28 pm | Permalink | Comments

QUINS COMEBACK TO SMASH CAS

In front of the BBC cameras Harlequins put on an outstanding second half display to bury Castleford Tigers 44-14 at the Stoop in the only all-Super League Fourth Round match up.
After being 14-0 down at the interval, Brian McDermott’s team scored 44 unanswered points to romp through to the Fifth Round.

The first 20 minutes passed without incident – a Castleford kick which was caught in the stands received the loudest cheer. Castleford’s Dwain Chambers – the disgraced athlete who has caused a stir since joining the club for a month – watched on in the drizzle. He left his chilly seat in the stands having seen the Tigers open the scoring through Michael Shenton after 23 minutes.

The winger collected Anthony Thackeray’s grubber, after Brent Sherwin’s 40-20 tremendous kick had handed them another set of six tackles. Craig Huby added the extra two points followed by another two from a penalty with ten minutes of the first half remaining.

Castleford belied their lowly position in the Super League – they are bottom with only four points from 11 games – by scoring again. Thackeray was the orchestrator as quick hands set Adam Fletcher over in the right-hand corner. Kirk Dixon took over from the injured Huby as kicker but could not convert from the touchline, though he did make amends two minutes before the interval with a successful penalty that took the score to 14-0.

Whatever coach Brian McDermott said at half time worked, as the Quins looked a different team in the second half. In short, they were awesome. After a couple of minutes Henry Paul put Joe Mbu through a gap 20 metres out and the centre slalomed three tackles to cross the whitewash. Soon after scrum half Chad Randall dummied from 10 metres from the line and scurried over for a score.

Captain Rob Purham was immaculate with his place kicking lacing those two conversions and a penalty before young winger Tony Clubb added another four points. He plucked the ball from air and after Orr chipped his kick across the defence.

In the remaining 15 minutes Quins ran riot. Man-of-the match Orr weaved in from the half-way line, and then with ten minutes left on the clock his kick popped up to David Howell in the try zone. Substitute Gareth Haggerty got in on the action, as did Danny Ward.

Labels: Brian McDermott, Castleford Tigers, Harlequins Rugby League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 9:26 pm | Permalink | Comments

BATTLING QUINS MOVE INTO PLAY-OFF BERTH

Brian McDermott hailed his Harlequins team’s battling spirit following their hard-earned 35-16 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers on Saturday. After 10 games Quins now perch fifth in the Super League, only four points behind table-toppers Leeds Rhinos.

McDermott, whose squad is stretched by injury, praised the combative attitude his troops displayed and is confident that Quins can hang on to their play-off place.

"There is a real winning attitude among the boys,” said the former marine. “I’m delighted that we backed up last week’s performance. We’re putting a lot of emphasis on performance this year and we’ve bounced back after losing three games in a row.

"We are really trying a different ethos and if that means errors then let us get ready to defend. There are (injured) players waiting to come back but the guys who are playing at the moment will get the shirt if they keep playing like that."

The former Great Britain prop also wished to draw England coach Tony Smith’s attention to the form of loose forward and captain Rob Purdham and winger Rikki Sheriffe, who scored twice against Hull KR.

When Smith takes the national side to the World Cup in Australia in October, McDermott believes his players should be on the plane. “Rob and Rikki are looking every inch internationals at the moment,” he added.

Labels: Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League, Rikki Sheriffe, Rob Purdham, Super League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 10:13 pm | Permalink | Comments

CATS HOLD ON FOR QUINS WIN

Les Catalan Dragons continued their fantastic start to the Super League season, coming from 18-6 behind at half time to beat Harlequins 24-22 at the Stoop.

After beating St Helens last week Dragons continued their march up the Super League while Quins racked up their second consecutive defeat.

Quins’ winger David Howell scored a hat-trick, but his team missed four goals and with French kicker Thomas Bosc knocking over all four of his efforts, that proved the difference.

First half tries from Henry Paul, Matt Gafa and two from Australian summer-signing Howell took the home side to 18-6 at the interval.

Aaron Gorrell went over for the visitors five minutes shy of the hooter to start the comeback.

Dimitri Pelo and Dane Carlow bullied their way over the Quins’ line early in the second half to take the score to 18-all.

Howell then powered over for his third but Gregory Mounis made the most of Quins’ indiscipline, crossing the whitewash with 13 minutes remaining.

After Quins had two tries disallowed the French team held on for another impressive win.

Labels: Harlequins Rugby League, Les Catalan Dragons, Super League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 6:04 pm | Permalink | Comments

QUINS ON THE UP - PURDHAM

Harlequins captain Rob Purdham burst through the pain barrier on Saturday
at The Stoop to inspire his team to their fourth successive Super League
victory, the 24-0 win over last season’s play-off team Huddersfield Giants.
Now he is ready to take his team to reigning world champions Leeds Rhinos
for Friday’s top-of-the-table encounter.

Since losing to Wigan in their opening game, Harlequins have not lost,
producing easily the best start to a Super League campaign by any London
club in history.

And Purdham, who had to have a painkilling injection at half time to soothe
a shoulder injury, insists there is more to come. The loose forward said:
“We was probably our best performance of the season so far against the
Giants. To beat a team as good as Huddersfield I think it is the best
result we have had in a long time.”

Quins are currently equal-top on eight points with defending champions
Leeds, and Purdham will relish the test.

He added: “I hope I’ll be fit for Friday for the Leeds game. It is a
top-of-the-table clash and we are there on merit. They are a world class
side and we are getting there, playing well. We are confident we can do a
job on Leeds.”

Labels: Harlequins Rugby League, Leeds Rhinos, Rob Purdham, Super League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 12:05 am | Permalink | Comments

QUINS MARCH TO TOP OF THE SUPER LEAGUE

Brian McDermott’s revolution continued to gather pace at The Stoop against Huddersfield Giants yesterday as Harlequins moved equal-top with Leeds Rhinos after winning 24-0 – their fourth successive victory, and easily the best run in their short history.

Captain Rob Purdham led by example in both attack and defence but while the home side were impressive, the Giants handed the game to their hosts by committing a number of key errors.

It took hooker Chad Randall just five minutes to stretch over for the opening try after the Giants conceded two early penalties to allow Quins good territory. Henry Paul, back on kicking duty after Purdham knocked his knee against Castleford last week, converted.

With 20 minutes gone Rod Jensen then knocked-on Danny Orr’s seemingly tame end-of-set kick inside his own five-metres. From the resulting scrum, Paul and Orr looped and Australian centre David Howell powered over. Though Paul missed the conversion, the Kiwi soon laced a penalty to take the score to 12-0 at half time.

Giants then stood firm until just after the hour mark when right-winger Shane Elford spilled full-back Mark McLinden’s high kick on his own tryline. From the set of six McLinden took the ball out to the right, flummoxed one would-be tackler with a dummy scissors before straightening and putting winger Rikki Sheriffe away in the corner.

With Paul sidelined, Purdham stepped up to convert from the touchline. Though he did not add to his two tries for the season, Purdham assisted the final try, and must be in England coach Tony Smith’s reckoning for a World Cup place.

Four minutes before the end his hearty challenge dislodged the ball, and the loose forward cleverly shipped to young Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook who gleefully dived under the posts.

Giants’ Jon Sharp was fuming after his team recorded their third defeat of the short campaign. “I am extremely disappointed,” he offered. “They were more enthusiastic than us and worked extremely hard from minute one to the eightieth. We weren’t good enough – we were second best all over the park.”

Harlequins’ coach McDermott had predicted that the Giants’ would be their “toughest test” so far and he was delighted with his team’s work ethic – particularly in defence. “It was a very good result and I’m very pleased,” he beamed. “They were a good team but we were ready for them.” The next test will be Friday’s now top-of-the-table encounter against champions Leeds, and who would bet against the McDermott’s bandwagon trundling on?

Harlequins:
McLinden, Wells, Gafa, Howell, Sheriffe, Paul, Orr, Temata, Randall, Ward, Mbu, Barker, Purdham

Interchange: Rinaldi, Clubb, Heckenburg, McCarthy-Scarsbrook

Giants:
Thorman, Elford, Whatuira, Lolesi, Jensen, Brown, Robinson, Mason, Hudson, Skandalis, Crabtree, Snitch, Wild

Interchange: Gatis, Raleigh, Jackson, Griffin

Referee: Mr I Smith

Labels: Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League, Rob Purdham

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 3:22 pm | Permalink | Comments

McDERMOTT OPTIMISTIC DESPITE WIGAN DEFEAT

Brian McDermott, head coach of Harlequins RL, has vowed that his team will play an adventurous and risk-taking game, despite being defeated 47-28 by Wigan Warriors in their Super League XIII opener.

Quins had been 12 points in front in the second half on Saturday – much to the delight of the record eight thousand packed in at The Stoop – but Wigan’s late dominance was too much for McDermott’s side.

He said: “There were some areas of the game that we didn’t handle well when we finished our defensive set.

“Especially in the second half the transition from offence to defence was not good enough. I don’t think it was an energy or fitness thing.

The former Royal Marine insisted there were plenty of positives though. “There was enough to prove that we can challenge and beat anybody,” McDermott added.

“We played some inventive stuff – the likes of which we didn’t really see last year. And we defended heroically at times.

“You have got to score points to win games of rugby league. If you want to win games you have to chance your arm, and go for some different plays. I am willing to take those risks.”

Labels: Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League, Rugby league, Super League, Wigan Warriors

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:45 am | Permalink | Comments

WIGAN BREAK HOODOO AS QUINS RUN OUT OF GAS

Wigan Warriors put an end to their Harlequins hoodoo in a captivating season-opener at the Stoop that lived up to its billing. Two tries a piece from teenagers Darrell Goulding and substitute Michael McIlorum, complemented by a perfect kicking performance from Pat Richards, saw the visitors come from behind to win 47-28.

Last season Wigan travelled to the Stoop twice, drawing one game and losing the other. One man in particular was hoping to break the curse: Warriors’ new chairman Ian Lenegan.

The software millionaire and former theatre producer bought out erstwhile chairman Dave Whelan’s 89 per cent in October, while retaining a 65 per cent share in Quins.

In unseasonably warm conditions, an expectant and convivial Stoop greeted Lenegan’s new club. The clement weather provided good ground underfoot, and should have been conducive to free-flowing football.

Nerves and ring-rustiness after a long off-season dominated, however, in a game littered with errors and penalties. But the mistakes did not detract from a pulsating encounter in which Quins, as Wigan coach Brian Noble offered, “ran out of petrol at the end.”

He continued: “At the start of the year most defences are a little bit rusty and you could see that in their team.”

It was the home side who drew first blood, much to the delight of the 8,014 spectators – Quins’ best ever crowd. After only three minutes Warriors’ Sean O’Loughlin’s ill-judged pass just outside his own 22 was gathered by Henry Paul.

The New Zealander shipped the ball to scrum-half Danny Orr, who in turn found Matt Gafa who managed to outpace Wigan’s debutant fullback, Richard Mathers.

Six minutes later Wigan were ahead through 19-year-old Goulding, who was found by Mathers on an overlap. Richards added the first two points of his immaculate kicking game – he laced over all nine opportunities.

Quins levelled the scores with ten minutes of the half remaining, after Scott Hill’s neat pass put fullback Mark McLinden, running from depth, in under the Wigan posts.

After McIlorum had bullied his way over, Hill crossed the whitewash himself two minutes before the break, scooping-up Gafa’s grubber-kick. Paul’s conversion took the score to knife-edge 16-all at the break.

The home side then carved out a 12 point lead thanks to a second score by Gafa, who shook off Mather’s efforts, and a slick try finished by Paul.

With 30 minutes remaining, the home supporters thought their team had done enough to ensure the bragging rights. But Wigan had other ideas, and second-row Harrison Hansen managed to reach over for a score.

Then Goulding sold a dummy and waltzed in from 25-yards out. Richards stepped up to tie the game at 28, and with the momentum Wigan never looked back.

Brian McDermott, the Quins’ coach, was critical of his team. “There were some areas of the game that we didn’t handle well when we finished our defensive set,” the former marine said.

“Especially in the second half the transition from offence to defence was not good enough. But I thought there was enough good stuff to prove that we can challenge and beat anybody.”

With a quarter-of-an-hour left on the clock, the impressive Iafeta Paleaaesina dropped over the Quins’ line and five minutes shy of the final hooter Wigan ensured the result, but McDermott’s team were running on empty.

Andy Coley, on his debut, put away Mickey Higham, who was scragged just short of the line. McIlorum, who turns 20 tomorrow gathered the ball to score.

Trent Barrett dropped a goal and Mathers iced the cake with a converted try to compound Quins’ misery. Lenegan’s celebrations were suitably reserved as a hand-clap and a smile saluted his first win as Wigan owner. But inside he would have been aglow with pride.

STAR MAN: DARRELL GOULDING

HARLEQUINS
McLinden, Wells, Howell, Gafa, Sheriffe, Orr, Hill, Temata, Randall, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Purdham, Grayshon, Paul

Replacements: Rinaldi, Ward, Haggerty, Mbu

WIGAN
Mathers, Colbon, Goulding, Carmont, Richards, Barrett, Leulai, Coley, Higham, Paleaaesina, Bailey, Hansen, O’Loughlin

Replacements: McLlorum, Prescott, Tomkins, O’Carroll

Referee: Gareth Hewer (Wakefield)

Labels: Harlequins Rugby League, Super League, Wigan Warriors

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 7:54 pm | Permalink | Comments

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)

Labels: Harlequins Rugby League, Ian Lenegan, Keith Hogg, Rugby league, Super League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 3:18 pm | Permalink | Comments