Gale won't be blown off course as Quins eye title shock

Harlequins' rugby league players have introduced a ban on talking about their opponents as they prepare for Saturday's Super League clash with Warrington.

Quins could move into the top four if they win and other results go their way. Those circumstances have prompted young half-back Luke Gale to insist that Quins stay focused despite Warrington's recent upheaval.

"We've all got together and said that this week we're not bothered about what's going on at Warrington," said Gale. "We just want to focus entirely on ourselves."

England boss Tony Smith was last week appointed as the Wolves' new director of rugby and coaching in an effort to halt an alarming start to the season. But Gale (right), who was coached by Smith during their time at Leeds, is keeping his mind set firmly on Quins' targets.

He said: "We've had two wins out of three and even then we were a bit disappointed to lose to Wigan. We thought we had chances to win that game but now the challenge is to keep going."

Harlequins coach Brian McDermott was widely mocked before the season started when he claimed Quins were aiming for the Super League title this year. But Gale has backed up his boss and reckons that self-belief could be crucial as Quins look to continue their early-season surge.

Gale added: "Brian's said it all year and the players have believed it all year. We let 18 points in at Salford last week and we weren't happy with that.

"If we want to win the title then we've got to be professional and ruthless."