One win for Wales at World Cup would be huge success, says John Kear

Wales head coach John Kear says his side are targeting one win at this year’s World Cup and hopes it snows for the game against Papua New Guinea.

The Welsh have been drawn against PNG, Tonga and the Cook Islands this autumn, having lost to France last weekend in first international game for almost four years.

“We were delighted with the weekend over in France, it was a great camp and I think it has given us a head start,” Kear told Love Rugby League.

“We will have a trial game a week before the World Cup starts and then we have a tough group. In football they call it the group of death.

“We played Papua New Guinea in 2017 in Papua New Guinea, and I think it will be a bit different playing PNG in Doncaster. 

“I’m hoping that the wind is there, the rain is there, the snow is on the floor, anything to make it uncomfortable. Playing over there was like playing in a sauna. We are targeting at least one win and if we get one win that will be deemed a massive, massive success. We feel that is definitely achievable.”

John Kear: Welsh rugby league heading in right direction

Speaking on the latest Love Rugby League Podcast, released every Wednesday from all major podcast platforms, Kear explains his belief that Welsh rugby league is heading in the right direction, despite the frustration of not playing a single international between 2018 and 2022.

And the 67-year old has urged Scotland and Ireland to take note of what Wales are doing.

He said: “I feel Wales are making progress. We have expanded our player pool and had six debutants at the weekend.

“The reservoir of talent is better for me, and there is a pathway within Wales, a national team at 16, at 19 and the community game as well. 

“There are links too with Super League clubs, especially Salford where there are seven junior kids up there. Those roots will pay fruition in the years to come. 

“That is what Scotland and Ireland need to do. They might not like me saying it but they might want to follow the Wales model and really put down some serious roots to allow the plants to grow. It’s no good every four years bringing a load of heritage players in and then the other three years are virtually fallow years.”

PODCAST: John Kear on international rugby league, re-structure & new Widnes role