Photo: SW Pix
IN OCTOBER 2013, Australia will compete in the fourteenth Rugby League World Cup Tournament, hosted by England. The Kangaroos, coached by Tim Sheens, are being billed as early favourites to take the title.
When Australian Times asked Sheens how this hype will affect the team, and whether players risk becoming complacent knowing they are entering the competition as favorites, he was quick to stress that this will not be an issue.
“There’s no chance of us becoming complacent. We’re not the world champions to start with, New Zealand hold the trophy. As far as England is concerned, they beat New Zealand both times in the last two Four Nations over here.
“Being a competition favourite, that’s one thing, but that’s not going to win us the competition. It’s interesting to pick us as the favourite months before the team is even picked because anything can happen.”
The World Cup is important in developing rugby league as a strong international sport. The so called big three, Australia, New Zealand and England, are expected to field strong sides. Sheens refuses to dismiss any teams as possible contenders for the title.
“It will be hard to say until the teams are selected. Based on the selection criteria available now, I can see it being one of the strongest World Cups that we have seen in rugby league for a while.”
While selection is still months away, the Australian team who played in last year’s Trans-Tasman Test should make up the majority of the squad. There are never any certainties in representative football though, with Sheens hinting that some of the younger players are being watched closely by selectors and may make a bid for a surprise selection.
“The Australian players do still get picked on reputation, so if they are playing well we will pick around the side that played last year. In saying that, it will be interesting to see if any young players come through and impress enough to make the test sides.”
Sheens has been head coach of the Australian team since 2009. However this is the first year he will be coaching without the added pressure of the NRL. He parted with NRL club Wests Tigers at the end of 2012.
“Preparing for an NRL season is very different to preparing a representative side. You can’t micro-manage a representative side.
“By that I mean you only get them for a short period of time, you’ve got to get them to come together very quickly, you’ve got to simplify things very much and as quickly as possible build a team spirit that in a club side you can build over a long time.”
Sheens has travelled to the UK to visit the venues of Australia’s matches and begin preparations for what will be the longest tour for an Australian representative team since the mid 90s.
“It’s the same for all the teams, even England are in camp that long. Everyone is separated from their family and friends, which is always difficult. We just need to focus on ourselves and peaking at the right time.”
If Australia do make it to the semi finals, two of the games will be played at Wembley stadium in London. Sheens is hopeful the Australian population living in London will make an effort to support their team.
“Last time we played in London, we had a lot of support. It creates a great atmosphere for the players.”
The Rugby League World Cup kicks off 26 October 2013. To buy tickets visit www.rlwc2013.com.
[ Source: Australian Times ]