Kopczak can’t wait to get started

Wales captain Craig Kopczak says he cannot wait to lead the team out at the Millennium Stadium in their World Cup opener against Italy.

The Welsh take part in the opening day of the tournament, playing after the opening ceremony and the England and Australia game.

They take on a Welsh Select XIII in Colwyn Bay on Tuesday night, as part of their preparations for the tournament.

Kopczak said: “It’s exciting times. We have quite a strong squad with a lot of Super League experience and we’ve gelled well together since our last tournament, so we can take that into the World Cup and start well.

“It will be an unbelievable achievement for myself to lead the Wales side out at the Millennium Stadium.

“I can’t wait for opening day against Italy and I’m sure it will rank as one of the highlights of my career.

“I think we’re in with a very good chance of doing well in this World Cup. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I rate our chances because we do have some fantastic players.

“We’ve just had some Welsh boys in the Super League Grand Final as well, so their experience of the big occasion could prove invaluable.

“We’re a lot stronger as a nation now and that leads right down to the youth as well, so it’s looking good for Welsh Rugby League.”

After the Italy clash, Wales take on USA at Wrexham on November 3, before rounding off the group stage against Cook Islands at Neath on November 10.