Coach Brian McDermott has revealed he is terrified to consider the future for Harlequins Rugby League without their talismanic playmaker Henry Paul.
McDermott spoke after the New Zealand stand-off's starring role in Sunday's 24-6 win at Hull - their first success of the season.
"I am scared to death he might retire at the end of the year," said McDermott.
"Everyone knows the skill he has, but he has gone from being the most skilful player out there to being the most hard working. In attack, he is quality and, in defence, he is immense.
"He will cover the offload and really put his body on the line for the side."
Paul was one of many heroes as Quins shrugged off the disappointment of the opening-day defeat by Wigan.
"I would be lying if I said getting our first win wasn't important," added McDermott.
"We just concentrated on playing well and letting the scoreboard take care of itself."
Quins, whose tries came from Matt Gafa (two), Rob Purdham, David Howell and Chad Randall, host Wakefield on Saturday.
"I would be lying if I said getting our first win wasn't important," added McDermott.
"The feeling in the dressing room was that we just needed to play well.
"We just concentrated on playing well and letting the scoreboard take care of itself."
The one black spot was an injury that saw Australian stand-off Scott Hill stretchered off in a neck brace.
Hill received lengthy treatment on the field before being carried off following a high tackle during the second half.
But McDermott revealed the injury was not as serious as first thought.
"There's no permanent damage which was my first fear," he said.
"It's a bad case of whiplash and he'll be out for a few weeks.
"That's our first assessment but we'll have to see what happens over the next couple of days."
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