6
COACHING MATTERS
‘They [England’s football squad]
are there when we’re preparing
for game three against New
Zealand,’ he said.
‘There are plenty of other sides
we’ll mix with too, and it’s just
got such a good buzz about it.
For us to work in partnership
with The Football Association is
good for English sport, never
mind English Rugby League.
‘I’ve met Roy Hodgson before
and built up a good working
relationship with him. It will be a
great opportunity for their
players to experience what
Rugby League players do.
clamouring to watch some of
the best athletes on the planet
and McNamara is of the belief
that England can finally deliver
on home soil.
‘I think we have a fantastic
opportunity and winning the
series would give the game a
shot in the arm and catapult it
across the national
consciousness,’ he said.
‘Our international plans are
taking shape and games are
approaching quickly.’
‘I’m encouraging our players to
engage in conversation with
players from other sports, and
they’ll certainly get the
opportunity to do that.’
With the second game in the
three-game series taking place
at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park – the first Rugby League
match to be played at the venue
– players and fans will be thrilled
to experience the sport at one of
the finest stadia in the world.
With interest in the sport
continuing to prosper after the
successful restructure of the
domestic game this summer,
the international finale will give
added impetus to fans
‘The players absolutely love
playing in London and to be the
first Rugby League team to play
in the Olympic stadium is a real
credit to the organisers,’ added
McNamara, who will return to
the UK from Australia once he has
completed his coaching duties with
NRL side Sydney Roosters.
He concluded: ‘Playing New Zealand
always brings out the best in the
England players and the chance to be
involved in the match at the Olympic
Stadium will provide additional
incentive for everyone.’
England v France:
Leigh Sports Village,
Saturday 24 October
(2.00pm)
Tickets cost from as little
as £10 for adults, £5 for
concessions and £22.50
for a family ticket.
England v New Zealand
three-game series:
KC Stadium, Hull, Sunday
1 November (5.00pm)
The Stadium at Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park,
London, Saturday 7
November (2.30pm)
DW Stadium, Wigan,
Saturday 14 November
(1.00pm)
Tickets cost from £22 for
adults and £10 for
concessions per game. A
three-match package
costing just £51 for adults
and £22.50 for
concessions is also
available.