'I think he can genuinely be the best left-side winger in the country'

Harlequins boss Jason Gilmore believes that Cadan Murley can become the best winger in the country after moving alongside Mike Brown as their second-highest ever try-scorer in the Gallagher PREM.

Murley’s try against Newcastle Red Bulls last weekend took him into joint second place in Quins’ all-time list on 56 with Brown, but he still has some work to do to catch Danny Care, who is in first place after touching down 83 times in the Prem.

The 26-year-old has scored four tries in six appearances for England but is battling the likes of Northampton Saints star Tommy Freeman, Sale Sharks ace Tom Roebuck and Exeter Chiefs flyer Manny Feyi-Waboso for a place on the wing.

And Gilmore believes that he can be the best in the country as he approaches his peak years for club and country if he continues to progress at the same rate.

“He’s got such a strong standing in our group. He is our vice-captain. He plays a strong role with our defensive leadership group. And he’s such an amazing player, like he’s one of the best in the country.

“He is an awesome finisher and has such a great work ethic about him. We’re really lucky to have Cadan. I’m excited about where he can get to in the next couple of seasons. He’s 26 now, so he’s hitting that age when he is going to start to hit his peak.

“There’s still a little bit of room for improvement in him, but look, he’s so crucial for us. I think he can genuinely be the best left-side winger in the country. I think he’s got the out-and-out pace. He’s got the toughness, he’s got the work ethic, and he’s got the desire.

“I think he’ll keep those attributes because he’s so consistent in how he prepares himself. And I think he’s just got to get more exposure at the top level to feel more comfortable to show what he can actually do and can be the best in the country,” he said.

Murley has scored six tries in 18 appearances for Quins this season in all competitions, and Gilmore says that they have to find a way of getting him the ball more often.

“Like I said, on the weekend, we’re carrying the least at the moment in the competition, and it’s hard to get the ball to your strike players if you’re carrying the least, and with Freeman, Saints dominate possession.

“You know, Exeter find the ball for Feyi-Waboso as well. So I think for us as a team, we have to use the ball well for our strike players to get the ball more. And I think when Cadan gets more ball, that’s when he can shine even more so,” he added.