The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Littler: I’ll never top Power level
GLOUCESTER’S Alex Hearle will join Newcastle Falcons in the summer, having agreed a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old can play at wing or centre and will be reunited with consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond, under whom he worked at Worcester Warriors.
Standing at 6ft 1in (1.85m) and weighing 15st 2lb (96kg), the Shrewsbury College old boy came through Worcester’s academy system and made his Gal- lagher Premiership debut for the Warriors in 2020.
Hearle played 37 games for Worcester prior to their administration and was quickly snapped up by Gloucester, for whom he has so far played on 17 occasions, including a start in last weekend’s Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final victory over Exeter Chiefs.
“I can’t wait to play under Dimes again,” said the three-quarter, relishing the prospect of working with his former boss. “I had a great experience with him at Worcester Warriors before the unfortunate end to that period, and I love the type of environment he creates. I’m really looking forward to coming up to Newcastle in the summer, and I’ve played there on quite a few occasions. “Every time I’ve been there I can’t believe how passionate the fans are, and it’ll be nice to have them on my side for once. “The way the club is heading at the moment, I feel like there’s a lot of excitement around it and I can’t wait to get involved.
“I know people who’ve played there in recent years, and they’ve told me some great things about the club and the city. “I’m just looking forward to the whole thing when the time comes, and I’m determined to make a positive contribution.”
Giving Falcons fans an idea of what to expect, he added: “I’m a hard-working player and I’ll throw absolutely everything I’ve got into making this move a success. I’ll not shy away from anything and I’m someone who will always get stuck in.
“I’ve probably played a little bit more on the wing than I have at 13, but I enjoy both and I’m genuinely happy in either role. You get more physicality at centre but more freedom to attack on the wing, so it’s not an issue wherever I’m needed the most.
“I’m just keen to help the team wherever I can, and it’s a really exciting opportunity.”
Happy to be reunited with his former charge, Diamond said: “Alex is a really good addition to our squad and I’m looking forward to working with him again after our time together at Worcester.
“He’s an outstanding team man, he plays a couple of
Gloucester’s Alex Hearle is tackled by Arthur Relton of Exeter Chiefs at the weekend
positions and he does the basics really well. He has been playing to a good standard at Gloucester and I know he will fit in here at Newcastle as we look to take the squad forward.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle Falcons wing Mateo Carreras has joined Bayonne with immediate effect.
The Argentina international had already agreed a summer switch to the French side, but will move earlier than originally planned after the two clubs reached an agreement.
Carreras has made two starts and one appearance as a replacement this season, scoring a total of 16 tries in 39 games over the course of his three years on Tyneside. The club said: “Newcastle Falcons would like to thank Mateo for his contribution during his time in England, and everyone at the club wishes him all the best for his move.”
LUKE Littler has dismissed as “crazy” predictions that he could be bigger than Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor.
The teenager has become a household name since his stunning run to the final of the World Championship as a 16-year-old in January.
Such has been his impact that Michael Smith, the current world number three, recently claimed Littler could go on to achieve even greater things than record 16-time world champion Taylor.
Littler, now 17, who faces Peter Wright in the quarter-finals of tonight’s Premier League round at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, said: “I don’t think anyone’s beating that record! It’s just crazy, crazy to think of me being bigger than Phil.
“I’ve said to many people I’ve not really set any goals. I just get on with it. I just have to throw my darts and see where they go. I’m still gobsmacked that I’m here, getting all these opportunities. I’m just taking it in my stride as I do.”
Littler has proved his World Championship performance was no flash in the pan, throwing nine-dart finishes on the way to tournament victories at the Bahrain Masters and Players Championship in Wigan. He also now has a PDC tour card, a place in the Premier League and has risen to 30th in the world rankings.
The Warrington-based youngster has coped impressively with his whirlwind introduction to the sport at the elite level and is relishing competing against the best.
“I just love playing in front of a crowd,” said Littler, who signed a new multi-year partnership with Target Darts yesterday.
“I enjoy trying my best to put on a performance and I know I can play against the best. I’ve broken into the top 32, so hopefully I’m here for many years to come.”
Littler recognises the effect he has had on darts at grassroots level and hopes he can continue to encourage new people to take up the sport.
He said: “It’s just been crazy how many people have got into darts, and how many people have been in my local shop in St Helens. There’s been queues outside. I’m just glad to be a part of it all. Hopefully it gets more people involved.”
The way the club is heading at the moment, I feel like there’s a lot of excitement around it