Kear happy to take the underdogs’ tag
JOHN Kear is relishing the underdogs role as he switches his focus to the international scene.
The Bradford Bulls coach is in charge of Wales today for their opening European Championship World Cup qualifier in France at Carcassonne (5pm).
They also face Scotland and Ireland in the coming weeks with the top two earning automatic qualification for the World Cup in 2021.
After dealing with the constant pressure of steering Bradford to promotion from League One, Kear admits it makes a “refreshing” change to lead the outsiders in the four-team international competition.
He said: “I would say we’re probably the fourth ranked of the squads.
“It’s nice because all year I’ve had to deal with Bradford being favourites and the ones to be shot at.
“Well, we can shoot at the other three without any pressure.
“I do enjoy it. It’s a different environment, with different people and different coaching staff.
“Obviously you have to emphasise different things because you haven’t got the same amount of time with your players.
“It’s a completely different challenge and I find it very refreshing.
“If we qualify for the World Cup, it will have been an exceptionally successful campaign.”
Kear admits the Carcassone clash is the hardest possible start as his side come up against the group favourites.
He added: “We can say we’ve got three Super League players from the London lads – but they’re not Super League players until next season.
“France are obviously well stacked with Super League. When you look at all four squads, if France don’t win it then in all honesty there’s something wrong.”
Kear’s squad will be without St Helens duo Regan Grace and Morgan Knowles, who the coach admitted needed a rest.
“They’ve played two years on the bounce and they’re still young men and at times we’ve got to manage them,” Kear added.
“I spoke with both of them and they’re both very proud of playing for Wales.
“Morgan Knowles was absolutely outstanding in last year’s World Cup and everybody knows how good Regan can be.
“Should we require them next year to qualify for the World Cup they will be there for that.
“And I’m certain they will be putting their hands up for the 2021 World Cup.”
Kear’s side face Scotland in Galashiels on November 2 and then host Ireland at Wrexham’s Racecourse Stadium on Sunday, November 11.
Swinton Lions winger Mike Butt has been added to the squad for the European Championship after discovering he was eligible because of a Welsh grandmother.
“I’ve been an admirer of Mike for a couple of years,” Kear said.
“He came into the game three years ago and he’s improved year on year at Swinton.
“He’s certainly got the quality to play at this level.”
Wales (from): Dalton Grant (Bradford Bulls), Chris Vitalini (Coventry Bears), Josh Ralph (Easts Tigers), Chester Butler, Connor Davies, Curtis Davies, Dan Fleming, Sion Jones (Halifax), Ben Evans, Elliot Kear, Rhys Williams (London Broncos), Elliot Jenkins (Rochdale Hornets), Gavin Bennion (Salford Red Devils), Ben Morris (St Helens), Rhodri Lloyd (Swinton Lions), Courtney Davies (unattached), James Olds (Wests Panthers. Brisbane), Morgan Evans, Steve Parry (West Wales Raiders).