Mat Gardner says Harlequins are now in full bloom

Harlequins RL winger Mat Gardner believes that last week's shock 21-4 win at Leeds has shown the Londoners' true potential in this year's Super League.

Three months ago, Quins boss Brian McDermott was ridiculed for a claim that his side could win the title. But Gardner says winning against the champions will force the critics to acknowledge Quins' skills.

He added: "We executed our game plan to perfection and that showed what a good team we can be. Since pre-season the same systems have always been there. We've worked and worked at it. We always believed that this year was going to be special for us."

Gardner will be lining up against his old team when he faces Salford on Saturday.