'It's unfair to compare'

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Monday 27th Jun 2005.

New Bulls hooker Ian Henderson had heard the name Jimmy Lowes before he arrived in Bradford and he's heard it plenty more times since - but he isn't concerned about the pressure of trying to fill the former great's boots.

"I've heard of him a little bit from a year or two ago," admitted Henderson, who is also conscious of the fans' desire to see a worthy successor in the nine shirt.

"I am aware of that but it doesn't bother me too much," he said.

"You just play your own style and see how you go. You can't think of it as trying to replace someone. You've just got to go out there and do what you do best."

After injuries curtailed a promising start to the 2005 season at Parramatta Eels, Torquay-born Henderson said he was keen to

follow in brother Andy's footsteps and try his luck in Britain.

"I'm excited. This is a big opportunity for me. I'm just excited about playing, getting back out on the field."

With Mark Riddell and PJ Marsh ahead of him in the pecking order at the Brian Smith-coached Eels, Henderson faced a tough task establishing himself as an NRL regular. But he insists it was bad luck rather than lack of opportunity that prevented him from doing so.

"I was the starting hooker in round three but I got knocked out pretty early in the match and had to have a week off. As soon as I came back I was 18th man, so the opportunities were there early in the season. I then had a couple of games in reserve grade and did my knee, so it's not like I was fit and playing good the whole time and stuck. When I was fit I got there, it was just injuries and that that sort of killed me a bit."

Henderson will be officially unveiled to the media today at a press conference to promote Friday night's derby clash with Leeds and the bubbly 22-year-old is already looking forward to an expected debut at Headingley.

"It is dropping me in the deep end but I should be able to cope if I get the chance. I'll be excited and I'm sure I'll be ready. I just have to wait and see and take it with both hands if I get that opportunity."

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