Can Harlequins make the play-offs?

HARLEQUINS RL

Coach: Brian McDermott (since July 2006).

Captain: Rob Purdham (Chad Randall standing in for the first three months).

Previous finishes (most recent last): 4th, 2nd (runners-up), 7th, 8th, 11th, 6th, 8th, 5th, 10th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 9th, 11th.

2009 leading scorers: tries - David Howell 14; goals - Danny Orr 43; points - Danny Orr 102.

Biggest Super League win: 72-8 (v Wakefield, 2005).

Biggest Super League defeat: 74-12 (v Bradford, 1999).

Ground and capacity: Twickenham Stoop, 15,000.

2009 average attendance: 3,436 (down 337).

Record Super League attendance: 9,638 (v Paris, at The Valley, 1996).

In: Andy Ellis (Barrow), Oliver Wilkes (Wakefield), Matt James (Bradford), Ben Jones, Ben Jones-Bishop (both Leeds, Jones-Bishop on loan).

Out: Daniel Heckenberg, Chad Robinson (all returned to Australia), Matt Gardner, Jon Grayshon, Gareth Haggerty (all Widnes), Matt Gafa, Joe Mbu (both retired), Mick Nanyn (Leigh), Dylan Skee (Whitehaven).

Player to watch: Luke Dorn - the much-travelled stand-off failed to make a big impression in his first season back in London, mainly due to a broken leg, and is out to make up for lost time.

Rising star: Ben Jones-Bishop - Leeds sprang a surprise by allowing the teenage full-back to go out on loan for he looks like a player with exciting potential.

Odds to finish top: 125-1.

Prospects: Quins won just one of their last 12 matches in 2009 and, with a series of low-key signings, are in danger of enduring another season of mediocrity.

Prediction: 12th.

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