Hadden eyeing world cup spot
career. To represent Ireland in a World Cup - it doesn’t get any better than that,” Hadden told BBC Sport.
“I’ve won 10 caps for Ireland and not many can say that, either in league or union.
“I’ve already been to one World Cup with the team and I’ve travelled to countries around the globe to play for Ireland.
“It’s also great to train and play alongside teammates who have won Grand Finals. I learn so much from them and it improves my game.
“We know it’s going to be tough, but we’re relishing the challenge and getting out of the group would be fantastic.
“I was in the squad for the last World Cup but didn’t make an appearance, so on a personal level I would love to get a game. It’s a major aspiration in my career.
“Another objective, and a big one, is inspiring youngsters back home to take up the game as I think rugby league could become massive in Ireland.
“They can see me, someone who only started playing the game five years ago, in action for Ireland at a World Cup.
“The sport just needs that big hit, a trigger, and this tournament offers the perfect opportunity to provide it.”
Hadden has also lifted the lid on why he made the switch to rugby league.
“I had only seen a bit of rugby league on TV but I thought I would give it a go and I really enjoyed it,” he said.
“Rugby league flows better than union. There are no rucks or mauls to slow things down and it’s just a great game to play.
“When I was coming through back home, making the Ulster set-up was the be all and end all for most young rugby union players.
“Obviously only a few make it, while the standard of the top amateur competitions is very high, and many players could come over to England to play rugby league as a career like myself.”
‘I would love to get a game. It’s a major aspiration in my career’