Harlequins RL talisman Henry Paul has rubbished talk of simply seeing out his playing days by insisting he still has a point to prove at the club.

The New Zealand-born stand-off, who turns 34 next week, is in the last year of his contract.

And amid rumours of impending retirement, Paul has revealed he still has plenty of tricks up his sleeve for the Quins faithful to savour ahead of the season opener against Wigan Warriors at the Stoop on Saturday (3pm).

Paul said: "I am well aware of the image I have created throughout my career and I want to show everyone that I am still that player.

"The fans always talk about the things you have done in the past but it is not so easy now with all these young guys coming through.

"So I want to show everyone why I have achieved those things in my career."

Paul has had a glittering career in both codes since bursting onto the scene with Wigan in the mid-90s.

A dual-code international, having been been capped by both New Zealand at league and England at union, Paul added some glamour to Quins' line-up last season.

But he admitted that 2007 was not a year to remember.

He added: "Last season was really difficult as we had so many injuries players were having to learn on the field.

"It was difficult during games to teach guys to run this combo or run this angle."

An off-season overhaul has seen a host of new faces arrive at the Stoop, including Great Britain forward Danny Ward.

But, for Paul, it is the maturing of the Quins academy players that gives most cause for optimism.

Paul added: "A lot of good young players have come in and the enthusiasm the young guys bring is infectious.

"These guys are the new backbone of the club.

"They have enthused me - I thought I was a good player but now I realise I have got to step up my game or one of them will come in.

"It has created anxiety among the senior players but anxiety among a footy team is good as it keeps you on your toes."