Dewsbury coach Morrison hopeful World Cup can boost RL

Dewsbury Rams head coach Glenn Morrison believes that 2013 is a big year for the sport of Rugby League.

The former Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Wildcats back rower admits that the current economic situation is making things tough for the sport.

But he also believes that it is up to everyone in the sport to make sure that the World Cup is successful, and as a result boost the game’s profile.

“I think it needs to be a big year. There’s a lot of changes this year with the Championship, which are for the better I think,” he told Love Rugby League

“We really need to build momentum going into the World Cup, if we want the game to really step up.

“It’s down to all of us really to have a good season, get the fans buzzing about rugby league again, and get them turning up for the World Cup at the end of the year.”

The current recession in the UK is making things tough for everyone, though, Morrison admits.

“I think it’s affecting everybody, not just in rugby but in general at the moment,” he mused.

“It is tough. It’s tough to get sponsors on board to get some money into the club. There are people who want to do it, it’s just having the finances available.

“So I think right across the board everyone’s feeling the strain.

“But if we have a good year this and have a good world cup, and enthuse the fans out there, then it’s going to build for next season. Hopefully we’ll see the benefits there.”

A shoulder injury means that Morrison’s playing days are now sadly behind him. He is relishing the different kind of pressure which comes from coaching though.

“Of course, you feel it a bit, the fans have got big expectations,” he said.

“The club has too. As a player I wanted to be the best I could, and push myself as far as I could, and I’m the same as a coach.

“I’m not going to sit back and rest on my laurels that I’ve got a job here. I want to push myself and improve the team.

“So there’s going to be a little bit of that, but I enjoy it. I enjoy pressure.

“We’ve got 12 new players who’ve come into the squad, as well as myself who’s new, so we’re building systems and structures from the ground up, which is going to take time.

“But we’re really pleased with how everything has gone.”