20 Questions: Max Stelling – Worcester centre

How’s your season going?
Really enjoying it. I’ve had a lot of game time, we’re winning and getting bonus points. Performances could be better at times but it’s going to plan so far.
Dean Ryan’s rotating a lot?
The Championship allows you to do that and we’ve got a big squad. It’s allowed Dean to try lots of combinations and we’ve still been getting wins.
Settled on your best position?
Yes, I’m playing at outside centre. I can play 12, wing and full-back if needs be but 13 is my preferred position and where I offer the biggest threat.
Secret of being a good No.13?
You’ve got to be a good defender, which is something I’ve been working at, and you have to be a threat with ball in hand, which is a strong point of mine.
Outside centres you admire?
Conrad Smith is a great defensive 13, someone I really look up to, and I like Bath‘s Jonathan Joseph for his work with ball in hand. He’s a threat, has great feet and gives Bath a real attacking option.
How’s the Dean Ryan regime?
He’s created a very good environment for us to get better in and Worcester‘s a great place for young players. Facilities are great, attention to detail is spot on, support mechanisms are brilliant and there’s no better place to develop.
Biggest coaching influences?
Dean, Carl Hogg and Shane Howarth are the main coaches but I work a lot with Simon Cross, our defence coach, and skills coach Sam Vesty. They all care about making us young guys better and Sam’s been a great addition.
Decent backline you’ve got?
Yes, adding guys like Tom Biggs, Sam Smith, Ryan Mills and Ryan Lamb just makes us more dangerous and better to watch. It can only be a good thing.
Moseley boy originally?
Yes, born and bred there and played for Moseley until I was 14. After that I boarded at Old Swinford Hospital School before Worcester picked me up.
Play any other sports?
Cricket, basketball and Gaelic Football. There’s no Irish blood in me but some friends got me down to the Gaelic and it was a good way of staying fit.
If not rugby, what would you have done?
No idea, but there are two lawyers in the family – my dad and brother – so it might have been law related.
How do you chill-out?
Enjoy going to the cinema – mainly comedies – walking my brother’s dog and just chilling on the sofa. I’m a bit OCD when it comes to cleaning, too!
Enjoy cooking?
Yes, I cook most nights – lots of chicken, steak, fish, roast veg, that kind of stuff. For something a bit special it would be paella.
If you could invite any three dinner guests?
Will Ferrell, one of my favourite comedians; Milton Jones, the one-liner comedian; and for some eye-candy, Cheryl Cole.
Best places visited?
Madrid and Buenos Aires. There’s so much to do in Madrid and it’s so busy, while Buenos Aires is just completely different. I’d like to go to New Zealand one day…on tour with England!
Pet hates/annoyances?
Unhygienic people. I just don’t like things being left in a mess. Inconsiderate drivers also annoy me, especially people who sit in the middle lane.
Best and worst advice you’d had?
Best, from lots of people, to get your head down and work hard to get better; worst was to quit Worcester and go to university. I’m glad I stayed!
Best and worst banter?
Best is Tom Biggs, who’s dry and very witty; worst is Josh Drauniniu, who’s an idiot, is always looking for a laugh but just talks nonsense.
Best and worst dressed?
Drauniniu’s the worst, again. He wears vests and just doesn’t care. The best has to be our prop, Ofa Fainga’anuku, who’s always got the latest gear.
Premiership a big incentive now?
Massive incentive, but it’s not something that features much in my thought process right now. At this stage, I just want to play as many games as I can and win.