Powell looks for defensive improvement

Harlequins Head Coach Rob Powell believes his side are ready to bounce back after a disappointing March with three home April games, starting with league leaders Castleford Tigers on Friday night.

Despite an attacking threat that has seen the Londoners rack up 100 points in the last four games, defensive performances have seen Quins RL lose all four.

But Powell is encouraged by what his side is capable of.

He said: “The players are aware of what we need to do in order to improve in that department [defensively] and we are confident that if we keep training with the right desire and intensity, and then play with the right level of trust and communication on the field, we can get back to being the sort of defensive team we aimed to be from the start of pre season.”

“In the last three against Hull FC, Bradford and Wakefield we feel we have scored enough points to win the matches but unfortunately we have let ourselves down with our defence.”

Powell believes his side will turn it around as they return to The Stoop for three key games in the capital this month as the season, like the weather, begins to heat up.

He added: “Castleford are flying high at the moment, and that’s credit to Terry Matterson and his staff. We can’t wait to welcome them to The Stoop for a game that will be a massive test of our resolve. The Stoop is a great venue for rugby league in front of our passionate fans, especially when it starts to warm up and we hope to give them something to cheer about on Friday.”