20 Questions: David Doherty – Leeds winger

Can you finish the job against Newcastle?
I think so. We really believe in ourselves as a group, we’ve built a good culture and hopefully we’ll go out and play at a higher level than Monday.
Good to be back at Leeds after a spell away?
Perfect. I’m really enjoying my rugby and off the field my little girl is six months old and I’ve had loads of time with her. She’s happy and my wife’s happy.
Big turnaround after your bad injury four years ago?
Yes, I had the knee injury at Sale in 2009, which was then misdiagnosed, but I’m grateful to Jersey and the Cornish Pirates for enabling me to rebuild my career.
How close were you to quitting?
It was pretty tough but I always felt I had something to offer the game and that’s why I continued. People believed in me and I’m glad I carried on.
Did your religious faith help?
Massively. You take a lot of knocks in sport and your faith gets you through the bad times and keeps you grounded. I enjoy going to church every Sunday.
Dual-coder as a youngster, weren’t you?
Yes. Leeds is a massive Rugby League city and I owe a lot to guys like Tony Smith and Brian McDermott, who was my academy coach and is now in charge of the Rhinos.
Much interaction between the clubs?
Massive respect between us and the Rhinos. Kevin Sinfield, their skipper, and Brian have been in this week, talking to us about play-off football. They’ve been at the coalface.
Any regrets at not choosing League over Union?
None. I enjoyed League but working with guys like Brian Ashton and Stuart Lancaster was a dream come true.
Did you play any other sports?
I was a decent footballer and spent a summer with Manchester United’s academy when I was 15. I had plenty of pace and knew where the goal was.
Wasn’t former Leeds teammate Danny Care a decent footballer, too?
He was at Sheffield Wednesday and we were due to play against each other, but the game got cancelled. He was more skilful than I was.
Decent golfer, aren’t you?
I love golf but the weather’s put paid to that. I’d love to be a golfer or, failing that, I wouldn’t mind being Rory McIlroy’s caddie and tour the world.
How do you chill out?
Apart from spending time with the family, I’m often out doing extra training with my brother, Mark. We’re always out together working on stuff.
Hobbies/pastimes?
I love going to watch live sport. I’ve been to the NFL and NBA in London and when I was at Wasps I used to watch Chelsea a lot. Now I watch the Rhinos.
If not rugby, what would you do?
I’ve got a few properties and would like to get into development. Or finance. I once spent time with an oil brokerage firm in London and enjoyed that.
Superstitions or rituals?
I wear the same pants during games. I got myself a pair of play-off pants when I was at the Pirates and they worked there, so fingers crossed!
Best players you’ve played with?
Luke McAlister at Sale was the best back. Amazing in attack and defence and could fling 30-metre passes. Best forward was Tom Rees at Wasps, who would’ve been England captain but for his injuries.
Ever done a Cipriani and tackled the No.6 Leeds bus?
Crazy! I played with Cips and he’s a special character. The ‘Otley run’ is pretty dangerous – 17 pubs – and he must have got caught up in the madness.
Best place visited?
I went to Australia‘s Gold Coast as a young League player and that was magnificent. A place I’d like to visit is Rome and the Vatican City.
Pet hates?
People who are messy in the changing room. I’m quite a tidy person but some of them leave dirty kit and stuff lying around.
Unfinished Premiership business?
That’s the reason I kept playing. I want another crack against the best players and teams and, hopefully, I can do that here at Leeds.