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By Jonathon Moore BBC Sport Online

Jason Robinson remains one of rugby's peculiarities. A former league star, his extraordinary success in union prompted a rash of cross-code transfers.

Robinson says someone must topple Leicester
Yet, neither Gloucester's Henry Paul nor Cardiff's Iestyn Harris have managed to ease themselves into their newly chosen sport with anything like the speed and panache of the former Wigan favourite.

"I've moved on from milk to solids," is his way of describing his transition, which if anything has set impossibly high standards for those who follow in his footsteps.

Just days away from only his second full season at the Sharks, Robinson is eager to get back into action.

"I've learnt so much in the past two years," he says. "Now it's about making sure I retain all that.

Our aim is to improve on last year and that doesn't necessarily mean position it means our own individual performances

"It's all right having a couple of good seasons. But they're in the past. I know people still talk about the Lions, but it doesn't mean anything if I don't maintain my performance."

Sale's second-placed finish in the Zurich Premiership last season may have surprised many - but not Robinson.

"We came as close as we could last season but in order to be top dog you have to play well consistently," he says.

"There were games when we should have taken it by the scruff of the neck and finish them off, but for one reason or another we didn't."

Their league success prompted a confident showing in Europe and although they were pushed all the way by an impressive Pontypridd in the Parker Pen Shield final, few could deny they were worthy winners.

"Our aim is to improve on last year and that doesn't necessarily mean position it means our own individual performances," Robinson adds.

"Our defence can certainly get better, we've worked hard on that and we have to build steadily as a team.

"We've got a good squad and a good spirit and everybody is pulling in the right direction so hopefully we'll do really well."

Season preview: Sharks

If truth be told, Sale's success has been a breath of fresh air for English rugby.

In a season when Leicester yet again wrapped up the title with ease, the battle for second place between Sale and Gloucester provided a tantalising glimpse of what life would be like if the Tigers ever did lose their claws.

"Leicester have got such a good squad and are very professional. They've been top dogs for a number for years but I do feel the gap is closing," he admits.

"Everybody is out there to beat them. I played for Wigan and I know how they're feeling. They've got a tough job trying to maintain that.

"It would be nice to see someone else finish top."

Graeme Bond's arrival at Sale is highly anticipated
But Sale's success has been important in more ways than one; it has raised the profile of union in an area traditionally associated with football and rugby league.

"You've got to be performing well on the pitch to draw people in," he says.

"Not only have we done that, we're working well in schools and the community - making people aware that Sale Sharks do exist and it's not just Manchester United and Manchester City.

"There's so many good sports teams in the North West we're constantly rivalling other sports.

"But there's certainly room for a top rugby union club and it's up to us to go out and bring people in."

With the man know as 'Billy Whiz' firing on all cylinders the club is certainly in a good position to spread the word.

Crowd-pleasing style

And the arrival of barging ACT centre Graeme Bond to a backline that already contains Robinson, young fly-half Charlie Hodgson and wing extraordinaire Mark Cueto will certainly help to fan the flames.

"It will be exciting to see Graeme in action," says Robinson. "To see how he fits into our style of play, which is now beginning to develop.

"You can't force anything but we do want to play a fast game.

"We feel confident playing that way, we all want to play that way and we have the ability to do that - so why not go out there and play to your strengths and enjoy it?"

"If we can entertain the crowd and win games then everybody's happy."


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