Rugby League World Cup 2021 takes over the Midlands
The eyes of the Rugby League world are on the Midlands tonight as the 2021/2 Rugby League World Cup comes to the Coventry Building Society Arena when the current holders Australia take on Scotland in their Group B qualifying match.
The Australians boast a squad filled with the sports superstars, with the likes of James Tedesco, Josh Addo-Carr and the hero of the Penrith Panthers NRL Grand Final victory Nathan Cleary all set to feature in tonight’s game, whilst the Scottish team still smarting from an opening defeat at the hands of Italy will be hoping for an upset.
Both teams attended a Civic Reception to welcome them to the area, with the Coventry Mayor Councillor Kevin Maton on Wednesday night. Also attending was Coventry Bears and Midlands Hurricanes Founder Alan Robinson, the driving force behind the bid to bring a World Cup game to the Midlands, Club President Ron Banks and current Bears Coach and former player, Alex Brown.
We know plenty of our supporters, players and officials will be at the match, so we pinned down Canes Assistant Player - Coach Liam Welham, long serving winger Hayden Freeman, supporter (and beer server extraordinaire!) Helen Brown and Club CEO Greg Wood to give their thoughts and World Cup predictions before the big event!
What do you believe holding a WC game in Coventry can do for the profile of RL in the Midlands?
Helen: - Having the world cup come to the Midlands is super exciting. We're in the Union heartland and will be good to have an opportunity to get more people open to watching league and recognising what a great sport it is and that you can enjoy both!!
I’ve already had one of my union teammates ask me lots of questions about league, league rules and how to get to play it after watching the England match last weekend
Greg: - It will raise the profile, get the crowds down and create some excitement. It only takes one great game to have people hooked for life. Let's make them all Hurricanes!!
Liam: - Holding the WC in England is a massive bonus and a privilege to the sport and our country but I feel it hasn’t had/got the publicity it deserves.
It’s the biggest comp in the world for our sport and the media coverage, ticket prices alongside community interaction has been appalling. Empty stadiums, no atmosphere and no noise is not engaging new fans into our game at all.
Hayden: - It’s massive for the growth of sport in Coventry and the Midlands. I hope it can help inspire the next generation of players and supporters from the non-heartland areas.
Which team will you be supporting throughout the Comp and why?
Hayden: - I’m a proud English man so England all the way. I do love an underdog, so if not England, I’ll be following PNG.
Helen: - Scotland! Scottish blood runs through these veins (as well as a bit of English) so want to see the lads do well.
Liam: - I’m following PNG, because a lot of my friends / previous teammates have played and come from PNG also I have a strong relationship and history with Makalie Azuie. (Ex PNG and Halifax / Hull KR) In 2011 he head butted me in a game and smashed my 4 front teeth out. He held my tooth in his head for a full game!
Greg: - Wales in support of Darren Morson (Hurricanes Team Manager and member of the Welsh backroom staff)
If you could sign one player from the Comp for the Hurricanes, who would it be?
Liam: - Mine would not be a player but a coach, Wales’s John Kear, John has the ability to take ok players and give them this passion and belief they can achieve anything on the pitch. Canes could use that belief and guidance from him to give us that little extra push which would have seen us turn over those close games from last season.
Hayden: - David Fifita (Tonga), the bloke is a freak!
Greg: - England’s Victor Radley, after watching him at Newcastle in the opening game he was awesome!!
Helen: - Erm, can I watch a few more games and get back to you?
Finally, who’s going to win the Final?
Greg: - Blind patriotism says England but my head says Australia will be too strong.
Liam: - England or Australia I think will win the comp.
Helen: - Aussies to win but based on their opening performance I've believe that England could do it.
Hayden: - England or Australia to win after round 1 both teams look the strongest
Cheers to Hayden, Greg, Helen and Liam!
Australia v Scotland Kick Off 7.30pm Coventry Building Society Arena
Tickets on sale at www.rlwc2021.com
Let’s see your photos of all our Hurricanes Family at the Big Game on our social media channels!
And if anyone can sneak Nathan Cleary into their bag on the way out ……!!!??!!