Mackay replaced Paul Blanchard as chief executive this month

Harlequins RL's new chief executive Gus Mackay says he hopes he can build on what he sees as growing grassroots support for rugby league in London.

"My role is to focus on the off-field stuff and the commercial side of the club," he told BBC London 94.9.

"There certainly seems to be interest at grassroots level and we have the opportunity to develop the sport.

"Improved attendances will be come from good performances but it's also about spreading the good word."

Mackay replaced outgoing chief executive Paul Blanchard this month, moving from a similar role at Surrey County Cricket Club.

"The principles of running a professional club are fairly similar, and hopefully there'll also be some differences [in my approach] that can take the club forward."

With clubs applying for new Super League licences this year, Mackay knows that increased attendances at the Twickenham Stoop are crucial.

"The main thing is improvement, but it's not going to happen overnight," he said. "It's long term, but hopefully some improved performances will start to show."

Mackay said he believed the side were better prepared for this season than at the same stage last year, and that the squad could still be added to before their first game of the Super League season.

"We are constrained by budgets but we're looking for players all the time and we're looking at possible loan options.

"As we build up to the season, we'll see who's available on loan and hopefully that may turn into making long-term signings."

Harlequins take on London Skolars in their first pre-season game, the annual Capital Challenge fixture, on Friday.

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