Quins ready for Storm test

Harlequins head coach, Brian McDermott, says fans will be in for a real treat when his side take on Melbourne Storm play at the Stoop on Sunday.

Harlequins play the NRL Champions as they warm-up for the Gillette World Club Challenge against Leeds Rhinos and McDermott welcomes the opportunity to play the best team in Australia.

“Melbourne have some fantastic players and have been a very good team in Australia for a number of years. The players are really forward to pitting themselves against the best and it’s great for our club to be able to put on events like this.

“We still have a few players out through injury so will be able to play some people out of position and try a few different things. If it doesn’t come off and we get burned, we won’t lose any league points. Saying that though, we won’t be taking anything lightly.

“If anyone came to watch Australia v New Zealand at the Stoop last year, they’ll know the sort of quality that will be on show. If we can generate the same atmosphere and put on another great show then I’m sure everyone is in for a treat.”

As a lifelong fan of the sport as well as a coach, McDermott admits he’s as excited as anyone about the opportunity to watch the Storm play at the Stoop.

“The only unfortunate thing is I’ve got to work that day.”

McDermott also revealed that Harlequins halfback Luke Gale is set to miss at least a month after breaking his jaw in a collision during last weekend’s victory over Catalans Dragons.

However prop Karl Temata is likely to feature in Sunday’s game after several months out through injury.