Irish eyes turn to Rochdale for rugby world cup clash

Tyrone McCarthy

With only weeks to go before the Rugby League World Cup 2013 match between Fiji and Ireland at Spotland Stadium, Irish eyes are turning to what is being seen as a crucial game for both players and fans.

With a thriving Irish community in Greater Manchester it's the game they are most looking forward to, according to Assistant Coach to the Irish national team, Ged Corcoran. Rochdale based Ged played for Ireland from 2004-2011. He was also part of the 2008 World Cup Squad which lost to Fiji in the Quarter Finals:

"It was a great match to be involved in, and we know how tough the game is going to be next month against them here in Rochdale. Even though we lost in 2008, that game still stands as one of the most memorable of my career, and I think we have something to prove this time around."

When Rugby League World Cup 2013 rolls into Rochdale two days after the glittering opening ceremony in Cardiff, Ged said he hopes there's going to be a lot of support behind Ireland: "We have a great Irish community in Manchester, and a lot of Rochdalians have Irish roots. I hope many will be coming down to support their national team.

"You only have to look at the St Patrick's Day celebrations and the popularity of events such as Manchester Irish Festival to know how passionate our fans are, and how good the party atmosphere is.

"With both teams looking to get a flying start to the tournament, it really will be special to bring that atmosphere to Rochdale."

And even for the neutral, Ged says it will be a very memorable occasion: "It's a RLWC2013 game, and that's a big deal. It's not often anyone gets to go to a Rugby League World Cup, and for it to be here in Rochdale on our doorstep, well that's something else. It will be good to look back and say you were there when the world cup was played in Rochdale."

Ireland International Tyrone McCarthy said the game against Fiji at Spotland is one they are all really looking forward to: "We're well aware of Fiji's links to the town and I expect they'll get a big following from the people of Rochdale, but, as a team, we like to put on a show and I'm sure we'll entertain supporters.

"A World Cup on English soil doesn't come along that often, and I'd encourage the people of Rochdale to be a part of it. It's the next big event after the Olympics and probably the most important tournament in Rugby League's history. It's a great opportunity to showcase the sport to new people on a local and global scale."

Irish player Matt Hadden, a hopeful for a place in the Ireland World Cup squad, admits they are in a strong group, and certainly won't underestimate Fiji: "There are a lot of good teams at this tournament, and a lot of people won't look further than Australia, England and New Zealand. We've been drawn alongside two of those teams so it's a very tough pool, although we're not going to be underestimating Fiji either - I think they'll be strong."

The Group A match between Fiji and Ireland will be played at Spotland Stadium on Monday 28 October, kick off 8pm.

Tickets starting at £10 (£5 concessions) are available to purchase online at www.rlwc2013.com/rochdale or by phoning 0844 847 2013.