Wigan Warriors, Catalans Dragons and Hull KR stars all given massive praise before Rugby League World Cup

As the Rugby League World Cup approaches, plenty has been done by tournament organisers to build hype for the games which kick off in Newcastle between England and Samoa in a huge game that could determine the routes both sides take towards the final.

In this, their YouTube channel has released a video in which captains and coaches reveal who they are most looking forward to seeing in the tournament which has seen three Super League stars receive massive praise.

The first was Wigan star John Bateman who was picked out by Samoa skipper Junior Paulo who wants to see him emulate his NRL form for England having been linked with a return to the competition recently with Wests Tigers.

He praised the Wigan backrow alongside members of the Cook Islands team: “What John Bateman did in the NRL, I guess we see that again when he puts on the shirt for England.

“There’s a lot of players if you go through the Australian team who will be good to watch and it will be good to see a few mates in the Cook Islands team.”

Meanwhile, France skipper is excited to play against Catalans teammate Michael McIlorum: “My teammate Michael McIlorum, I am good friends with him, haven’t played against him since for 10 years.”

Lastly, Wales skipper couldn’t believe the size of Cook Islands captain Brad Takairangi.

Kear is looking forward to seeing the Hull KR forward shine in the tournament. Takairangi has a terrific blend of skill and size but is looking for a club in 2023

On Takairangi, Kear said: “We’ve kind of focused on ourselves a lot but have just been speaking to the Cook Islanders’ captain Brad Takairangi. He’s been great for Hull KR this year, to play against him. I didn’t realise how big he was.”