Hull KR's Danny McGuire has an unusual way of getting away from head coach pressures - donning his cricket whites.
The Robins caretaker chief hopes to lead his side to a third successive win when they visit Super League giants Wigan on Thursday. There will be an expected crowd of more than 10,000 at DW Stadium plus the Sky Sports cameras. But on Tuesday night, McGuire was playing in front of a handful of people for local village cricket team Allerton Bywater in the Pontefract & District midweek league.
He was a talented batsman as a youngster before becoming Super League’s greatest-ever try-scorer in the all-conquering Leeds Rhinos team. McGuire, 39, explained: “I just started back playing this year. I missed it. I gave it up as a kid and I'm just playing locally. I’m really enjoying it and it just gives me a little bit of competition.
“I do miss competing with rugby. This is more just about being part of a team. When you finish playing, coaching is the second best thing. But it still doesn't give that same buzz as doing your bit for the team, whether that being a catch, scoring runs or whatever it is in cricket.
“It kind of replaces that and it keeps me busy. It takes you away for a few hours as well. Otherwise, you find your life being just constantly revolving around rugby league. Although they are all Cas’ fans in our side. There’s probably only one ally and Leeds fan in the team! But it’s all friendly banter. They’re a good set of lads. And it’s good to score a few runs.”
McGuire, who stepped up from KR assistant when Tony Smith was sacked three weeks ago, smashed 150no against Oulton recently. He never got to the crease on Tuesday as the game was called off due to bad light. But McGuire now hopes to darken Wigan’s mood by inspiring another win.
Rovers have shot into the top-six after backing up victory over Wakefield with Friday’s stunning success at Warrington. They are mired by selection problems with 14 players missing meaning prop Connor Moore will be their latest teenage Academy product to debut.
Second-placed Wigan are flying with red-hot Jai Field and Bevan French tearing up opponents. McGuire said: “Wigan have some of the best attacking players in the comp’ with speed to burn.
“We’ll have to be on our game defensively. I’m a realist. I know it’s a big challenge even to go there with everyone fit. But the lads who put on shirts will definitely try and do it justice. I was really proud of all their efforts at Warrington.”
