20 Questions: Mark Cueto – Sale winger

Last of the old guard at Sale… how does that feel?
It feels good, actually. It’s my 11th year and we’ve had our ups and downs. But we’ve come out the other side and it makes you appreciate the good times.
Best and worst times at Sharks?
The first six or seven years got better and better, winning the Parker Pen, getting capped by England and the Lions and winning the Premiership. But after that it went wrong and you couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Regret losing people like Charlie Hodgson?
If guys like Charlie, Dean Schofield and Richard Wigglesworth had been able to fast forward and see where Sale are now, they’d have thought twice about leaving. But you couldn’t have argued against anybody leaving at the time.
Disappointed to be cut by England?
I saw it coming after the World Cup. But no matter how much you think you’re ready for it, it’s still difficult to take. You want to play at the highest level and represent your country, but I’ve freshened up now and Sale is the perfect place to be.
Have you retired from England duty?
Not officially, I’m still available. But at the same time I’m not kidding myself, I’ll never get picked for England again.
Something about Steve Diamond we don’t know?
He makes a weekly visit to the suntan shop! He claims he doesn’t, but he blatantly does.
Best and worst trainers?
Dwayne Peel’s the best. Considering how experienced he is it would be easy for him to ease off, but he’s on it all the time. Steve Hanley’s finished now but he was the worst. You don’t get guys like that in the game anymore.
Hanley still holds the Premiership try-scoring record, though?
Not for long! It’s Stan’s only claim to fame now and he’ll be devastated when it goes. I need three to beat it.
Jokers in the camp?
With Twitter it’s all getting a bit devious these days, but Andy Powell’s off the rails and Johnny Leota and Sammy Tuitupou are a useful comedy act. There’s some good banter at the club.
Cleverest player?
There’s not many of those here! A few of the younger lads are studying, though, and Charlie Amesbury’s pretty bright.
Tightest player?
Joe Ward. We were in Costa the other day when Wardy came in late, but he went straight to the till without asking if anyone wanted anything. Typical Kiwi!
Most annoying player?
Me, probably. The person I like to annoy the most is Cillian Willis, our Irish scrum– half. I call him ‘Potato’ and he bites every single day. Secretly he loves it.
Biggest moaner?
Dave Seymour. He’s our ‘Captain Fantastic’ but also the first to moan about everything and anything.
Worst dressed player?
Richie Gray. It’s difficult getting gear when you’re 6ft 10ins but he came into training last week wearing a bright yellow LA Lakers beanie hat, basketball shorts and an old, grey V-necked jumper. Horrific!
Superstitions?
I always have the same pre-match meal… beans and poached eggs on toast. Always shave before a game and I’m always last out of the changing room.
Teenage sporting idol?
Not rugby. I was aware of guys like Guscott and Carling but I enjoyed athletics and was more into Daley Thompson. I liked Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer too.
Sportsman you’d like to swap places with?
Usain Bolt. I’d love to be him at the minute.
Best Olympics moment?
Mo Farah winning the 5,000m. We were in a pub in Lytham after our pre-season game at Fylde and the noise was deafening.
How’s Danny Cipriani fitting in?
He’s doing well and he’s a good lad. He’s mixed well and got involved and, more importantly, he’s worked hard and is desperate to do well for Sale.
Hopes for the season?
To become the Prem’s top try scorer for starters. Top six is our minimum aim and, with a bit of luck, I think top four could be reachable. We’d like some big days in the Heineken, too.