Injury-hit Catrakilis eager to make a lasting impression in the battle for No.10
PERKY playmaker Demetri Catrakilis believes he is finally hitting his stride as a Harlequins player following an injuryhit first year at the club.
Catrakilis struggled to overcome a life-threating throat injury that restricted his appearances last season, while an ankle ligament tear over the summer meant he did not feature until the league match against Saracens in early October.
The South African spearheads Harlequins’ attack against Newcastle today and, after featuring in each of the last four league and cup games, his return to top form is well timed with an important block of league and Challenge Cup fixtures ahead.
Catrakilis told TRP: “It’s great to be starting again and I’m getting my rhythm back. The supporters come to watch players play and it’s been difficult for me to go to the stadium every week in my blazer and just sit in the stand watching.
“It’s just nice to be able to contribute and while my absence has given Marcus Smith a chance to gain experience, I aim to give him some competition now.
“Jack Clifford, Francis Saili and I have all come back at the same time so hopefully we can contribute in a positive way
and keep the team moving forward.”
Clifford captains a Quins side that shows three changes in the pack, with Phil Swainston and Dino Lamb coming into the tight-five while Alex Dombrandt switches to No.8.
Academy products Cadan Murley and Niall Saunders are given a crack in an otherwise experienced back division which features Saili, Ross Chisholm and Tim Visser.
Quins have yet to win two matches in succession this season but after last week’s 27-19 win at Bath, Catrakilis added: “It’s an opportunity to go back-toback and every tournament is important because it creates a winning culture. Newcastle were unlucky to only get a draw last week against Exeter so we can’t take them lightly, but we want some consistency.”
Newcastle make five changes as Scotland international Chris Harris gets run at outside-centre and Alex Tait starts at full-back, while Sam Lockwood, Jack Payne and Connor Collett come into the forwards – the latter for his first competitive start.
Ex-Quins utility back Tim Swiel has a place on the bench and Falcons coach James Ponton said: “Harlequins are a difficult side to read, but we’re looking forward to testing their improved defence.”