Interview with McNally

I'd like to thank Gregg for taking time out to answer the following questions:

You made your debut for Huddersfield against Halifax. How did you find the game and was what it like to score your first try for your new club?

It was a good game, was fast to start off with then i think both sides began to tire later in the game. Was a physical game as it always is against fax but our lads stood up well to there big pack and matched them for the first half. Yeah was nice to get on the score sheet especially early on in the game it seemed to settle me a bit.

I understand that the training under Ged Stokes has been gruelling. Could you detail the kind of training the squad have been put through?

Yes has been very hard pre season. Going to Drigg Beach at 9am on a Sunday sometimes can be hard but if you want to become a better player you have to do it.

Do you feel that the squad's fitness levels have improved because of the tougher training regime?

Yeah, I think that we have definitely improved and gave us an advantage, but nothing beats match fitness.

When Ged Stokes first came into the club, many fans were unsure of the appointment. What impression has Ged made on you?

Ged is a brilliant coach. Everyone at the club gets on well with him and seem to have a lot of respect for him. He will always have my respect as he gave me my chance which I was very grateful for.

Realistically, how far do you think this squad go this season?

I think we have the potential to do well this year. The lads seem committed and enthusiastic about the coming season. Hopefully we can go one better than last year and make the final.

Many fans are currently busy planning for the away trip to Toulouse. As an unknown quantity, they will fancy their chances when playing at home. Are you personally looking forward to the unique challenge of playing in the South of France for your club?

Yeah i am, it should be an interesting experience. Having played against a French team with Whitehaven School whilst in Serbia I expect them to be a physical team who just don't stop coming at you.

With clubs around us making numerous signings, coupled with the loss of Dan Russell due to immigration laws, has this had an effect on the morale within the squad?

I for one was looking forward to playing with Dan and to see what he brings to the team. He looked sharp in training and seemed to be looking forward to the season, so I was gutted for him. The rest of the lads were too but these things happen and we have to cope with them.

Whilst you are contracted to Huddersfield, should we still expect to see you at the Recre for most of the 2009 season?

Yeah the plan is to stop at haven for the full year to get a bit more expirence and to finish my a levels.

Finally, I'm sure the last 12 months have been an amazing experience for you. Scoring a hat-trick debut, touring Australia with England U18, nearly progressing to the Grand Final with Haven and then signing a three year deal with a Super League club is extremely impressive by anyone's standards. Could you summarise how the past 12 months have been for you and where you would like to be in 12 months time?

Yeah has been an amazing year for me. I didn't expect to make a first team appearance never mind the rest. I would of been happy just to start every game for the academy, that was my aim at the start of the year. I was shocked to get the call up for the Salford game and then to get a phone call off the England coach was amazing. Well for this year my aim is to play well and get a good run in the first team. I hopefully should be getting bigger size wise and hopefully improve a few aspects of my game which I feel I need too.


One again, many thanks Gregg.