The West Asia Premiership/UAE Premiership campaign resumes with McFarlane’s men looking to make it seven games unbeaten, and he has been impressed with his side as teams get back into the swing of things after the festive period.
“The players have shown their professionalism over Christmas and kept on top of their fitness as well as indulging in a few pies and beverages,” joked McFarlane.
“Their fitness is very good and we’ve got a few great sessions behind us. The new year brings a new challenge. We are unbeaten but we take nothing for granted.
“Hurricanes will offer threats all over the pitch, proven by their win v (Dubai) Exiles. As I stated before Christmas we will take it game by game trying to be the best we can be.
“The competition for shirts is the strongest I’ve seen it since I’ve been at Quins- the depth in quality is simply outstanding.”
It’s been all change during the winter break for Canes, meanwhile, who have brought in a handful of new players and even switched coaches.
The affable James Ham has been replaced by forwards coach Mike Wernham, who came on board last summer.
Wernham has been appointed new head coach as well as replacing director of rugby Robin Giles, who has stepped down as he and his wife are expecting a child.
Captain Dave Knight knows Canes face a stern test against the league’s best side so far, but he insists there is a really good buzz surrounding the club as they kick off 2017 and he’s excited about the direction the club is heading.
“Obviously this first week will be tough as we’re playing the league leaders and things don’t turn around over night,” said Knight, whose side sit sixth out of seven teams in the table.
“Quins are for me the benchmark at the moment. They seem to have real depth right across the board which the other teams don’t necessarily have. They know how to win games and are extremely clinical.
“That being said we’ve got a strong team out and a few new lads that will be looking to make a name for themselves. While Mike isn’t new to the club he is now calling the shots so I think that ramps up the competition for everyone in the squad.
“We know that we have nothing to lose at this point so we’ll be looking to go down there and ask some questions of the league leaders.”