Former England international Stuart Pearce spoke to the rugby league team ahead of Saturday’s game against Greece
We look at what’s being said and team news as England look to secure top spot in Group A with victory over Rugby League World Cup debutants Greece on Saturday (2.30pm kick-off)…
Pearce provides experience to help England’s cause
Shaun Wane has turned to an English football icon to help the national rugby league team as they prepare for the knockout stages of this year’s World Cup.
England have already secured their place in the quarter-finals thanks to wins over Samoa and France, while victory over Greece this Saturday would ensure they finish top of Group A.
Ahead of the match at Bramall Lane, manager Wane turned to Stuart Pearce, who was part of the England football teams that reached the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and the 1996 European Championship, to give a few words to the squad. .
“Stuart is an impressive Englishman who is very passionate,” said Wane. “We have learned a lot from him.
“He appeared in the group [Tuesday] breakfast and it was really good. He spoke highly of the camp and how we spent our session.
“We’ll have other people coming in. It’s important for the players to experience that, there are other ways of learning that will make us better in rugby league, listening to legends like him was very important.”
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Jon Wilkin says England have been perfect at the World Cup so far in the group stages, but says they will be tested in the latter stages of the competition.
As well as being able to offer advice from his own sporting experiences, Pearce is a huge rugby league fan and has been seen on several occasions at the Halliwell Jones Stadium watching Betfred Super League side Warrington Wolves.
It’s not the first time he’s spoken to the national team either and Joe Batchelor, who will win the first Test match alongside Kai Pearce-Paul against Greece, thought the 60-year-old provided some valuable insight.
“It was great to get someone from his experience,” Batchelor said. “He has the knowledge to represent his country at the highest level, it was a really valuable morning for us.
“He’s a leader, that’s what he was known for and he taught us some lessons about that and being part of a team in a major tournament.”
Meads eyes the heritage for the Greek RL
Greece have already been eliminated from the World Cup after defeats to France and Samoa in their opening two Group A matches, but the fact that they have been part of it is an achievement in itself.
Rugby league was banned in the country until this summer and previously the national team had to play home qualifiers for the tournament at midnight behind closed doors.
Greece captain Jordan Meads believes their World Cup presence is beginning to rub off at home as they prepare to close with a game against the hosts.
“The Greeks are really starting to love their rugby league,” said Meads. “Having the national team at the World Cup we knew they would get behind us and the amount of messages and support we have received over the last month has been absolutely amazing.
“The World Cup is the biggest microphone you can have, so we really hope to use this tournament to launch the sport in our country.
“We’re really proud of our efforts so far, but we know the job isn’t done yet and there’s no bigger challenge than playing the home nation.”
Wellington-born Meads, whose career includes a spell with Betfred Championship side Newcastle Thunder, qualifies for the Titans through his Greek mother.
The 30-year-old wants to ensure a lasting legacy for rugby league in the country and is determined to be a big part of growing the game as well.
Jordan Meads aims to leave a legacy for rugby league in Greece
“I’m very passionate about the cause and I can’t wait for the day when I go to Greece and see rugby posts around and kids in schools playing rugby league,” Meads said.
“When that time comes – and I know it will – I think the Rugby League World Cup will have played a massive part in bringing it to life.”
Team news
George Williams will captain England after Sam Tomkins was rested for the hosts’ final group game, with second-row center Batchelor and Wigan Warriors center or second-row center Pearce-Paul set to make their debuts tournament money.
Kallum Watkins is the only player unavailable for England after picking up a head injury in last weekend’s 42-18 win over France.
Kai Pearce-Paul is in line to feature for England against Greece
Greece captain Jordan Meads returns to the side while former Warrington Wolves player Billy Magoulias has returned to Australia to be with his partner during the birth of his first child.
Meanwhile, homegrown Greek players Ioannis Rousoglou, Ioannis Nake and Konstantinos Katsidonis will all make their World Cup debuts.
Name team
England (from): George Williams (capt), Tommy Makinson, Ryan Hall, Jack Welsby, Tom Burgess, Luke Thompson, John Bateman, Victor Radley, Dom Young, Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees, Mike Cooper, Chris Hill, Andy Ackers, Mike McMeeken, Marc Sneyd , Joe Batchelor, Mikolaj Oledzki, Kai Pearce-Paul.
Greece: Do you have Taukamol? Nick Mougios, Adam Vrahnos, Terry Constantinou, Jonny Mitsias; Lachlan Ilias, Jordan Meads (captain); Robert Tuliatu, Peter Mamouzelos, Ioannis Rousoglou, Michell Zampetides, Jake Kambos, Nic Flocas.
Exchange: Ioannis Nake, Sebastian Sell, Konstantinos Katsidonis, Theodoris Nianiakas.
