BBC SPORT | SUPER LEAGUE | Hetherington seeks capital gain

Jason Hetherington says the form of Dennis Moran and the imposing atmosphere of Griffin Park are playing key roles in London's rise up the Tetley's Super League table.

London captain Jason Hetherington is making up for lost time after starting the season on the treatment table.

And the 31-year-old hooker, who was sidelined with a shoulder injury, is making a good job of it.

He has been voted BBC Sport Online's Rugby League Personality of the Month for April after helping the Broncos overcome a rocky start to Super League VII.

London skipper Jason Hetherington
Hetherington has led by example
Hetherington is an inspirational figure for London.

But he says there are a number of other factors that have contributed to his side's welcome return to form.

The first is the club's new home, Griffin Park, which they share with the footballers of Brentford FC.

Hetherington says the west London venue is more hostile to visiting teams that their former hunting ground, The Valley.

"It certainly feels that way. The crowd here are almost on top of you and they seem to make a lot more noise," said the former Canterbury forward.

"There were a lot of empty spaces at The Valley but that isn't the case here because the capacity is less.

"Up to now, we've got a pretty good record at home.

"It took us a while to settle into our new surroundings but it was one of our objectives to make it as difficult as possible for any teams coming here.

He has been the form player of the competition so far

Hetherington on Dennis Moran

"It is good little ground and I like playing here. All the lads like playing here."

Bradford Bulls are one of the teams to fall at Griffin Park this season, beaten 15-14 in a dramatic encounter on 7 April.

Hero that day was Dennis Moran, whose 70th-minute drop goal claimed a famous victory.

But Moran's heroics have not been restricted to just that match.

He was been a pivotal figure for the Broncos all season, as Hetherington is quick to acknowledge.

"He has been the form player of the competition so far," said the former Australian international.

"His reading of the game is fantastic and he has scored a heap of tries as well.

"He's in a key position too, at half-back, the link between the backs and the forwards. There's no doubt he has been influential."

London fans cheer on their team
London's fans are making Griffin Park a hostile place to go
London currently lie just outside the play-offs after an impressive April.

They won three of their four Super League matches, their only defeat coming at Hull.

They should have won that day as well, but were stunned by a late fightback from the home side.

Hetherington is convinced his team can go onto secure a top-six place come the end of the regular season.

"Everyone has got their eyes set on the play-offs and we are no different," he said.

"You have just got to take it week by week and work hard on your game.

"That's what we do. We've got a good bunch of blokes and we all want to succeed."

London will have to do it the hard way if they want to make the play-offs.

Finishing sixth last season meant they were handed a tougher draw in 2001, with more games against the top sides.

I'm starting to run into a bit of form and hopefully that will rub off on the rest of the team

Jason Hetherington

But Hetherington is undaunted, insisting his team-mates will be ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

"Sure, we are playing the likes of Wigan, Bradford, St Helens and Leeds more times than last year," he said.

"But then it is mentally easier to prepare for these games. If you aren't prepared, then the opposition will run away with it."

Hetherington is happy with his own game, although he admits he is still not 100% match fit.

"I'm not too bad now. You are always going to take a little bumps and bruises into games but I'm going okay," he said.

"It comes down to the confidence you have in yourself. I'm starting to run into a bit of form and hopefully that will rub off on the rest of the team."


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