barrie mcdermott interview in aussie mag : Thu Apr 02, 2009 2:50 pm
Rugby League Week.
best bits :
1. on what it was like playing at wigan :
"wigan had supreme athletes, they were great players and any of them would have been a star in todays game ... my time there changed me. they werent all best mates, but they all had the same, winning mentality, mutual respect and common goal".
2. on hitting Paul sirronen high in a wigan vs australia game in 94
"it was a reckless thing to do ... i wanted to lift my team mates and let the aussies know i wouldnt just lie down. my timing was completely off"
3. on that tackle making him a marked man :
"i heard that before the 2nd test, the australian coach bob fulton told his players if they got the chance, take care of me. i took that as a massive compliment ...".
4. on the post match celebrations with the aussies in a bar. ian roberts had a free bar tab going and mcdermott with shaun edwards, gary connelly and the aussie team were getting drunk.
as the night wore on barrie got paranoid and said loudly "hey roberts, i hope you dont think just because youve bought me a few drinks youre going to shag me."
roberts replied macdermott wasnt his type
a few moments of reflection and barrie piped up "whats wrong with me". the thought that roberts found macdermott fat and ugly appeared to bother him
5. toughest front row opponents -
paul harrogan, webcke, morley, fielden and peacock
6. on playing in the nrl -
"i looked at it twice, with souths and then newcastle, and i wouldve loved to have done it. i dont regret not going but i do regard it as a missed opportunity ... i think the physical side of it (NRL) wouldve suited me, though id probably have spent too much time on the sidelines".
