20 Questions: Stephen Myler – Northampton fly-half

Relieved to have signed your new contract?
Definitely. It's a difficult time for players and clubs and I'm delighted my future's sorted and I can concentrate on bringing as much success to Saints as I can.
Easy decision to stay, or not?
It came down to the fact I'm happy with what the club wanted and what they're trying to achieve. Saints is a highly ambitious club and I wanted to be part of that.
Been at Saints 6 years now?
I know, it seems a long time. I came from Rugby League halfway through the relegation season and it didn't go to plan at first, but we've come a long way since then.
How helpful was that first full year in National 1?
It helped guys like Chris Ashton and I immensely. It enabled us to learn our game in a less pressurised environment and we've both done pretty well.
Best Saints moments?
Picking up the Challenge Cup and LV= Cup with a great set of lads are the highlights. And although the Heineken final didn't go to plan, the run was a real high.
Did reaching that Heineken final over-inflate people's expectations?
Possibly, but it also did that from a players' point of view, which is a good thing. We're all aiming to be ‘up there' and we know we can be a match for anybody.
Not gone to plan over the last couple of seasons, has it?
No, but winning things is not easy. The competition gets stronger every year and it's always evolving. That's why it's so pleasing when you do win something.
Feel confident about the future?
Very. We've been in a bit of transition but we expect to be challenging and the players coming in, like Kahn Fotuali'i, look very exciting. We want to be more consistent.
Stay in touch with your Widnes RL roots?
I don't get there as much as I'd like and haven't been to a League game for a while. That's something I hope to rectify, but I still watch League all the time on TV.
Other sports you follow?
Golf. I'm actually more of a golfer than I am a rugby man and my girlfriend will vouch for the fact I've always got the golf on when I'm at home.
Presume you play then?
I play off 6 and although I don't get out as much as I'd like, it's definitely a game I love. If I could have been another sportsman, it would have been Tiger Woods.
Did you have any League idols?
I followed the Widnes team of the late 1980s and early 90s when my dad, John, and uncle, Tony, played. Martin Offiah was there as well, so they were my heroes.
Apart from golf, how do you chill-out?
Half the Saints boys have Playstations so I'll have an hour on that most days. I also enjoy dining out, going to the cinema and a bit of theatre if I'm down in London.
Favourite food?
I love Italian… nothing too exotic, just a nice pasta carbonara. And being a northern lad, I really enjoy my fish and chips!
Last holiday?
We toured the west coast of America last year… San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Santa Barbara and Santa Monica, which was very enjoyable.
Best and worst dressed at Saints?
Best is Calum Clark. He tries to be slick all the time and pulls it off. Worst is Phil Dowson, who has some heinous footwear. Must be a Geordie thing!
Best and worst trainers?
There's a few in the ‘worst' category. Paul Diggin gets very grumpy along with Soane Tonga'uiha and George Pisi. Keenest are Tom Wood and Calum Clark.
Tell us something unusual about Dorian West?
Hmmm… he's massive fan of mashed potatoes. He'll have a huge mound with every meal and loves them. It really is quite strange.
Pet hates?
Salad! I really dislike it and don't see the point. And traffic. I'm not the most patient driver.
Most prized possessions?
My memorabilia. I've got the jerseys from the two finals we've won and the ball I used to kick my 1000th point for Saints. They're nice to have.