Ryan: We’re fired up and ready for the Giants
ROVERS ON REVENGE MISSION TOMORROW
ETHAN Ryan insists Hull KR are “fired up and ready” to face Huddersfield Giants at Craven Park tomorrow. Rovers will be hoping to take revenge after the Giants convincingly beat them in the Challenge Cup semi-final.
“I think the first break did us a world of good,” said Ryan.
“After that, it was clear to see we were deflated after the CC semi and the hectic period, but after a good victory over Salford and running Saints close, we are ready to kick on starting tomorrow.
“Huddersfield are a great team under Ian Watson.
“They do the simple things well, and we saw in the semi that they do the same stuff constantly, but sometimes completion and game management are critical in rugby league.
“But the way we have trained and prepared, we are fired up and ready to get one over them, hopefully.”
Rovers could have three of their contingent representing Ireland in this year’s World Cup, as newly appointed captain George King will be ready to lead his Wolfhounds into battle alongside Rovers teammates Frankie Halton and Ryan.
Ireland are in group C alongside New Zealand, Jamaica and Lebanon, with two of their games being played at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium and one at the Leigh Sports Village.
The Ireland rugby league set-up is going through a transition period after appointing Ged Corcoran as their new head coach after parting company with Stuart Littler in April, and Ryan explained what their recent meet-up entailed as preparations for the World Cup are well underway.
“We did two days last week in Rochdale with the Ireland squad,” said Ryan.
“It’s a new hierarchy, so it was all to do with getting familiar with the new faces and having some good sessions together, but of course, the main aim for me is to feature in the World Cup.
“Come October, I want to be part of that 23. Every time I put on the Irish shirt, I love it; representing the country is always an honour. So that’s my aim in October, and it’s the same for Frankie and Kingy. For it to be in the UK is going to be great, it should be a fantastic spectacle, even if it is a year late.”
The former Bradford flyer was delighted to see King appointed captain, with Ryan admitting there would be nobody better to lead out the Irish this year.
“Kingy told me a few weeks beforehand, and he was buzzing,” said Ryan. “He’s so passionate about the Irish set-up, for him to captain the side is a real honour for him. He is the perfect fit to lead our national side.”
Ryan also discussed the levels the Irish side needs to reach to make an impact in this year’s World Cup and has openly admitted new coach Corcoran is focusing on form rather than reputation.
The Irish have several established eligible NRL stars in contention to be picked for the Wolfhounds, with Sydney Roosters half-back Luke Keary the biggest name on the list.
Ryan said: “We had a chat about some Irish/australians who could fit our bill and represent us this year.
“Unfortunately, some players like Sam Wood thought they were eligible but didn’t meet the criteria, which is a shame, but let’s see what happens.
“The coach has already stated that names mean nothing and form is why you will be in or out of his final team.”