View from my Press Box
by Mike Parsons
Perhaps this is the point where I should put my hand up and say: “I got it wrong!”
Before the season 2008 started, I predicted in Warrington Guardian’s Hot Off The Press column that Harlequins RL are my favourites to finish bottom of ladder this year.
Can I change my mind, please?
To be honest, it is always a lottery attempting to give a considered view on which team will finish in which position because, as we have seen with so many clubs already this year, injuries to squads as the year progresses can play such a big part in the final reckoning.
I just felt there was more depth to the 11 other Super League squads and that Harlequins might lack experience as they blood some of their younger players without fearing the danger of relegation this year.
But credit should be given to Brian McDermott for moulding together a strong unit – and with a growing amount of English talent in the ranks that has caught the eye.
Although they have had one or two slip-ups, including the 48-0 thumping against world club champions Leeds Rhinos at Headingley Stadium a fortnight ago, they have looked anything but wooden-spoon material and were happily sat in a play-off position going into the Easter period with four wins from their opening six. Only Leeds had done better that that.
I would like to add that I’ve tipped Wolves to finish third in the table this year and have no wish to alter that point of view.
There have been enough signs in the methods of play employed this season to suggest that Paul Cullen’s men will be able to really turn on the style as the year progresses, as the combinations in the team strengthen, when the weather improves and when the grounds become firmer.
I, for one, continue to look forward to the rest of the campaign.
* Just for fun, here’s my favourite team made up of players who have figured in the first team for both Warrington and Harlequins, allowing for journalistic licence and selecting from the Fulham days onwards. How many of these players do you remember?
1. Chris Ganley; 2. Rob Smyth, 3. Sid Domic, 4. Kevin Crouthers, 5. Hussein M’Barki; 6. Jon Roper, 7. Reg Bowden; 8. Roy Lester, 9. John Dalgreen, 10. Rob Parker, 11. Paul Noone, 12. Bob Jackson, 13. Jon Clarke. Subs: 14. David Highton, 15. Steve Diamond, 16. Don Duffy, 17. Joe Deherty.
Other players who have shared the colours of the two clubs but not made it into my time include David Allen, Derek Noonan, Mal Yates, Dave King, Jason Roach, Andrew Duncan and Richie Barnett.
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