Ireland coach Andy Kelly insists his side will be ready for the physical challenge of Tonga in their World Cup opener on Monday.
Written-off Wolfhounds planning a surprise
Ireland coach Andy Kelly insists his side will be ready for the physical challenge of Tonga in their World Cup opener on Monday.
The Wolfhounds are considered the outsiders in Pool Three as they come up against Tonga and Samoa sides both boasting considerable Super League and NRL experience.
But Kelly is unfazed by predictions. "There's a formidable look about this group but it's a challenge we've known about for some time now and we're looking forward to it," he said.
"Tonga and Samoa are both big physical sides, but to reach the semi-finals they'll have to beat us.
"There will be a big green wall there waiting for them. We think we've got the players and the gameplan to beat both those sides."
Kelly also reckons his side could provide an upset.
"We've been written off by most people over here," he said. "No-one considers us having a chance of making the semi-final play-off, let alone the semi-finals themselves.
"But I think that will only serve to spur the guys on. As I've said from day one, we're not here to clown around, we're here to perform and our aim is to make it through to the final four."
Kelly has left out Irish born-duo Wayne Kerr and Ged Corcoran for the match while captain Scott Grix will fill in at stand-off in the absence of the injured Graham Holroyd.
"It's disappointing for Wayne and Ged to miss out after being included in the 19-man squad on Friday but the fact they were selected shows they're not far away," said Kelly.
