Scott Hill is a player I've admired for a long time. If you enjoy seeing flair and imagination and the unexpected as much as I do, then there's not many better exponents around. Once our team learns to 'read' him, he's going to carve open some good defences.

So I was delighted to get the chance to talk to Scott recently, and find out what he makes of England and the Harlequins.

How are you settling in?

Pretty good, we've found a house we both really love in Kingston, and we'll be moving in there in February, just before the season opener. My kids are going to school with Bill Peden's, and he's been great in helping us settle down. I'm here for at least two years, then we'll see where we go from there.

Is this your first time in the UK?

No not at all, I was here with the Australian side in 2000, the 2004 Tri-Nations team as well. I was here when Melbourne Storm played St Helens in the World Club Challenge and before that in 97 with the Hunter Mariners. I never really thought about it too much before, but it is a perfect base for me and my wife to get to travel through Europe when the opportunity arises.

Being away from the rugby league heartlands, Melbourne and London are very similar. How will you find that?

It doesn't bother me one bit. At Melbourne we were often away for two or three nights a week preparing for away games so this will be no worse than that.

Has the coaching team set you any goals yet?

<2r>No not as yet but that will come in the new year. We have concentrated on those things that we can control. We've got a good team, and I'm excited playing in a different competition.

Did you know Bill Peden before?

I did and he's been a big help to me already. We'll be working together right up to Christmas. I've only just got here, and I'm 8 weeks behind, so when the other boys get back I hope I'll be where they are now.

Why did Melbourne have such a good season?

Melbourne has the toughest pre-season in the NRL and I believe that's why we had such a good season. It's been the same the last 4 years and it's tough on the body. But if you don't do it you can blow your season's work pretty quickly at the back end when the muscles start to really tire.

What's your first impression of Mac?

I'm impressed. He's similar to Craig Bellamy in that he demands quality. He works on the little things in games, he's very good at that and we've concentrated on that so far. He's come from a tough, hard culture. It will be very positive once the season starts.

In past years the team has gone away for about 6 weeks for warm weather training. Your thoughts?

It can deliver good results but it can also affect the start of the season, as it's not in your normal routine. I think you should try and get as close as possible to your routine for the season.

You must have been bitterly disappointed after your loss in the Grand Final?

It was a shame. We were the best team in the competition. It's hard to say, nothing went wrong as such, but we got some tough calls at important times. They (Brisbane Broncos) had more experience under that sort of occasion and played tremendous.

What was your precise role at Melbourne Storm?

There were five of us who formed the senior players' squad, and one bloke would take over at different times. Each of us had a big say in how the team functioned and were responsible for leading the way. It worked for us and I was part of that senior squad.

We had the basis of a pretty structured format that allowed us to play a lot of attacking football, and could play what was in front of us at all times. We always were looking to threaten the defensive line. Everyone knew their role, so when the call came, everyone knew what to do. Everyone was in motion at the same time.

I would like to see Quins do that. It's tough to defend against isn't it?

Yes. We worked on a lot of stuff and I'm happy to share that here. We've already come up with things that might arise in the competition here. I've had good conversations with Brian, who is always open to suggestions. There is proven success that it works.

How important is consistency in a team's performance?

It's something we had at Melbourne as everyone knew their place was under threat so you had to be at your best every week.

How have you fitted in with Danny Orr?

We've gone through a few things. There's different calls with Chad, Marty, Danny and Henry. In January, we'll put a definite structure into place.

Will you be stand off?

Not sure yet, whatever Brian thinks is best.

What about losing Sol?

He's off chasing a dream, so good luck to him, but it's a great opportunity for players on the fringes. It gives players the chance to be what they want to be. But the boys did get a bit of a shock when we heard about Sol.

Have you set any personal goals?

No I'm not a goal person, I just believe in the best possible preparation for every game.

With your record Scott, do you think people will have high expectations?

I have high expectations of myself but I look to accomplish my role. I can't win games by myself, other players have to do their stuff too.