'We can beat Bath'

TOMORROW'S an absolutely massive game for the club.

We couldn't have got a more difficult final in the Challenge Cup but that doesn't matter, the lads will still be going down there with plenty of confidence.

To be honest, although we're under no illusions about how tough it'll be, we should've beaten them down there earlier in the season and we've beaten them twice since.

That won't mean anything tomorrow but it does show that we can beat them.

We know we can do it, there's no bogey on our backs. We'll have a decent team out, despite the injuries, and the boys will give it absolutely everything.

Not only do we need to win to keep our Challenge Cup hopes alive but we also need to build a bit of momentum going into the Harlequins game next week.

That game will probably decide which one of us goes into the play-offs so we need to go into it on a high.

But I really think we can do it.

The performance we put in against Wasps was good and we definitely didn't deserve to come away with nothing.

And although we didn't play a strong Newcastle team last week we did a job on them.

It was good to just iron out a few things and try new things against an inexperienced team and I think that'll serve us well.

Since the Newcastle game, the guys have been resting up a little bit and getting treatment on a few niggles to make sure they're in top shape.

In the run-up to a semi-final, I suppose you'd expect us to be going full pelt in training but part of rugby nowadays is managing players' time.

If we had lost last week it might have been different but there weren't many major problems that needed to be addressed.

We worked on a few things but mainly it was about making sure everyone is fresh and ready to play. It also boosts morale so we'll be going into the game at Bath in a really positive mood.

Considering how well the boys are doing at the moment it's been really hard watching from the sidelines.

It gets you down having so many injuries but it's about how you bounce back from it and I'm doing everything I can to make sure I'm back in top shape for the start of next season.

I had a meeting with the specialist this week and he told me to step up the training now and try and get over the hurdles in my way.

It's still giving me a bit of pain but I've just got to keep working on it.

Being out injured means I have time to devote to other things though and as part of the testimonial year I'm running a few training sessions for kids at rugby clubs around the area in the coming weeks.

We just felt it would be good to put something back as part of the testimonial year so we're running four sessions to start off with but are looking to branch out throughout the year and make it a more regular thing.

The sessions start on Sunday at Macclesfield and I'm looking forward to it.

I quite enjoy coaching. When I was younger I remember being really excited when people came down to coach me so it's good that I can do that for the kids.

We've had some great support from our sponsors as well and Mitre are even providing kit for the events, which is great.

I can't believe the help I've had so far.

Rugby's been in the press a lot recently, what with all the change in the England set-up.

It's been a bit of a circus and I don't think Brian Ashton's been treated well but I do think Martin Johnson is the right man for the job.

Some people have been criticising his lack of experience but he has life skills which can be applied to the job.

He may not have any coaching experience but he was an inspirational leader as a player and to have him on board will only give the players an extra boost.

Something needed to be done to turn things around and I think he'll do it. It'll be interesting to see what happens.

One last thing, I have to say thank you to the supporters for getting me a present of some oven gloves to replace the old ones seen on Talking Sharks!

I have a good bit of banter with the supporters so it's all in good jest but I haven't ruled out getting my own back just yet.