20 Questions: George McGuigan – Newcastle hooker
They're an unknown quantity so we're focusing a lot more on ourselves and make sure we're doing things right.
What do you know about them?
We've watched a few of their games including the last one against Connacht and they're a big side. But to be fair to them they're also trying to move the ball around a bit.
What did you make of the defeat in Brive last week?
We put in a good team performance last week. A lot of young guys were involved but they've stepped up. It's good for the team to have everyone putting their hands up.
What are looking for in the Challenge Cup?
It's a good competition to expose young players but we'd like to go as far as we can in this competition. We reached the quarter-finals last year so we'd like to go further this time around.
Does it provide a break from the Premiership, too?
There's a bit less pressure in the Challenge Cup and you can express yourself a bit more. It's been good in that sense.
What do you make of your start to the Premiership?
Losing our first four games hasn't been ideal and that's not how we wanted to kick things off. We were competitive last season and maybe it hasn't been the case so far. We've shown glimpses of what we can do in games but it never lasted long enough.
What's going wrong?
We've made a lot of individual mistakes like missing one-on-one tackles. We've let in soft tries so getting our defence sorted is our main focus right now. It's really hard to win games when you leak as many points as we have been.
What's the mood in camp then?
It's still really positive especially after last week where, although we didn't win, we played pretty well. There's a good buzz around the squad and everyone is rearing to go.
How confident are you that you can turn things around?
Very!
Are London Irish your biggest rival in the relegation battle?
It's far too early to talk about relegation battle. We'll see how things go but we have plenty of time left to maintain our Premiership status.
On a personal point of view, happy with your season so far?
I've played in all five games which is great. I'm glad to be involved in games and do what I can to help the team.
What do you have to do to get the No.2 shirt?
I've got to keep my performance level constantly high and show the coaches I deserve a chance. Improving my set-piece is key for me as a hooker. I like to carry the ball but throwing has to be my focus so I'm working on it a lot.
Hearing Joe Schmidt would like you to move to Ireland next summer, any truth in that?
I'm out of contract at the end of the season but my main focus is to play well for Newcastle. Playing international rugby is a dream but it's not at the forefront of my mind right now.
Played for Ireland at age group level?
I qualify for Ireland because my parents are Irish. I played at U18s and U20s level and they've always been good to me giving me a lot of game time and I had a great experience playing for them.
Yorkshire-born and bred?
Yes. Born in Northallerton and Darlington was my club. I played there until I was 18 before joining the Falcons academy. I also played for Tynedale in National League One on dual-registration which was great for me. It gave me the exposure I needed at senior level.
Favourite cheat meal?
It's a tough one but I'd say pizza is my guilty pleasure.
If not rugby what would you be doing?
I was thinking of studying law at university so I'd probably have gone down that route.
Three special dinner guests?
I'd go for a comedy duo of Kevin Bridges, Michael McIntyre plus Stephen Fry to add some intellect.
Best and worst banter at the Falcons?
Alex Rogers is pretty funny but Andrew Foster is the worst.
Best and worst dressed?
Marcus Watson has to be the best while Dan Temm has the worst dress sense in the world.
