20 Questions: Mike Delany – Newcastle fly-half

What did you make of the Anglo-Welsh Cup over the past two weeks?
It was good to get a break and give some of the guys in the squad the opportunity to get some game time. That break from the Premiership came at a good time to be honest.
Did you talk about how the season had gone so far?
We’ve been going well even if there are games we lost that we could have won. The break gave us a chance to fine-tune things to, hopefully, be ready to go again.
Anything you must improve going forward?
We have to be more accurate. We create a lot of opportunities but we’ve got to make sure we’re prepared for it and make the most of our line breaks.
At least you’re creating chances, that’s got to be a good start?
It’s good to be able to do that in the first place but we’re not capitalising on them. Moving forward we have to trust what we’re doing, execute well and we’ll be in a good place.
Are you looking above you in the table or over your shoulder?
We’re just looking at the next block of games, trying to play the style of rugby we want without worrying too much about relegation and going into our shells.
Tough games with Northampton and Quins coming up before the European break?
There are no easy games in this league. It’s a good opportunity to get some good wins and go up in the table.
Do you target specific games?
The homes games are crucial to build momentum but most teams were above us last year so we target every game. We don’t want to let our foot off the pedal.
Happy with your own season so far?
I guess so. We’re growing as a group and it’s helping my game. The backs help me out a lot and the forwards are creating a good platform to attack from. All is well right now.
Given you experience, are you a leader at the Falcons?
I’m a little older than most of the players in the squad but being a fly-half you always want to call the shots anyway. I really enjoy that leadership role.
How’s your relationship with fly-half rival Joel Hodgson?
He’s great and he’s been playing really well. We played together, too, when I moved to full-back and that worked well. He offers a pretty exciting game.
Differences between you two?
He’s very dangerous ball in hand and very quick. He picks up the tempo and keeps the opposition’s big forwards honest.
What do you bring?
My game’s changed the older I got. I like to create opportunities for others and keep the pack moving forward. I try to make sure we’re in the right area on the field to make our job easier.
Second season at the club?
I picked up that knee injury mid-way through the season which wasn’t great but I’m enjoying playing again and getting involved with the attack side of things with Dave Walder.
How was Clermont?
I learned a lot there coming from Japan and Super Rugby before that. It’s a different style of rugby in Europe with the defence playing a huge part in the game. You’ve got to be more clinical with the ball here.
Was it hard to adapt?
It definitely was tough. In New Zealand, everyone is keen to have a go but you just can’t do that over here. You’ve got to make sure you’re relieving pressure on your team and put it on the opposition here.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
I’m not too sure. Even when I was at university before rugby picked up I didn’t know what I wanted to do.
Would coaching be an option after you retire?
I’d like it to be and I enjoy working with Dave here. But it’s a tough place to get into with a lot of players trying to get involved. There are a lot fewer coaching jobs than there are players.
Favourite cheat meal?
I try to be good but I don’t mind a KFC with Nili Latu after a game.
Best and worst banter at Falcons?
Jon Welsh has got some good chat and being Scottish he loves rubbing the English lads the wrong way. Mouritz Botha’s got nothing though.
Best and worst dressed?
Best would have to be Marcus Watson but I’ll give worst to Rob Vickers.