Quins add heavyweights to squad

Richard Villasanti, Daniel Heckenberg and Karl Temata have all been included in Brian McDermott’s 20-man squad for Saturday’s clash with Warrington Wolves.

Villasanti only arrived in London a few days ago although is eager to get started in Super League: "I had a 16-hour sleep so I think I got all the jet lag out of me," he said.

"I previously expressed an interest in coming to the UK and this was an opportunity too good to pass up."

Villasanti, who was on the 2003 Kangaroo tour but won his only cap against the Kiwis earlier that year, is rated highly by his new coach:

“The bloke has got pedigree," said Brian McDermott. "He's played for Australia, albeit a couple of years ago, and it's our aim to try and re-ignite some of that spark.

"He'll also bring a fair amount of presence. I think people will know when Richard Villasanti is on the field."

McDermott also brings in props Daniel Heckenberg and Karl Temata, adding considerable weight to the pack which did such a fine job at Craven Park. Heckenberg is yet to make his first appearance this season, sidelined with a calf strain, while Temata sat out Saturday's victory affected by the flu.

Winger Andy Smith – still waiting for his first chance since joining the club – is the other player added.

Lee Hopkins has been ruled out after cracking a rib late in the game against Hull KR.

Captain Rob Purdham, who led Paul Cullen’s England team to victory last autumn in the Federation Shield, is excited about Saturday: “A lot of people are talking about Saturday and I think it should be quite game. The atmosphere at our first home game was great and I reckon Saturday will be even better.”

As a team we’re happy with the progress we are making in training and on the pitch and we’re enjoying ourselves.”

Harlequins RL 20: Gafa, Grayshon, Heckenberg, Hill, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, McLinden, Melling, Mills, Orr, Paul, Purdham, Randall, Rinaldi, A. Smith, T. Smith, Sykes, Temata, Villasanti, Wells, Worrincy.

Warrington Wolves 20: Reardon, Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Johnson, Grose, Briers, Leikvoll, Clarke, Rauhihi, Westwood, Anderson, Mark Gleeson, Parker, Wood, Sullivan, Pickersgill, Wainwright, Riley, Cooper, Penny.

Referee: B Thaler