Experienced Quins prop Ceri Jones reckons the rise of youngster Joe Marler can help prolong his top-flight career.
The 20-year-old has made a huge impact in two cameo appearances from the bench for director of rugby Conor O’Shea’s men this season.
Jones has mentored England U20 international Marler ever since the former Richmond-upon-Thames College student joined the Quins academy on a full-time basis in 2008.
And the 33-year-old loose head, who celebrated his 200th appearance for the club against London Wasps on the opening day of the season, reckons his emergence can only be good for him.
“Joe is a really exciting young prospect and has really added something to our game when he has come on,” he said.
“He has done really well and long may that continue because if we can share games it gives me a bit more of a rest.
“Having played 95 games for Newport before coming to Quins I’ve got around 300 first class games under my belt.
“Not having play 80 minutes week in, week out is only going to prolong my career.”
The pair, who both scored tries in the pre-season programme, have a bet over who will score more tries this campaign and Jones insists there is life in the old dog yet.
“It could be expensive for him because the loser has to buy the winner a slap up meal, “he added.
“I’ve got few old tricks up my sleeve and I’m just going to have to make sure I’m on the back of the odd rolling maul.”
Marler was held up over the line by Northampton Saints full-back Ben Foden in the dying seconds of Saturday’s narrow 20-16 defeat at the Stoop.
Quins battled back from 13-0 down to lead 16-13 through a try from George Lowe and three penalties from fly-half Nick Evans, but they couldn’t hold on.
And Jones insists his side is out to break its Aviva Premiership duck at Sale Sharks on Friday night.
“We had two players held up over the line and one try ruled out for a marginal forward pass, so it could easily have been a bonus point win,” he said.
“There is nothing wrong with the way we are playing we just need to convert the chances we are making and that will come.
“Sale is a tough place to go but we have enough confidence in our ability to have the beating of any team, anywhere.”
Quins’ next three matches: Sept 17 Sale Sharks (a), 25 Exeter Chiefs (h), Oct 2 Newcastle Falcons (h).
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