Ricky's World Cup Warning

The mood changed from exultation to one of sobriety when Australia's World Cup coach Ricky Stuart declared: "It takes more than talent to win a World Cup."

Stuart, as honest as the day, was a special guest at the official launch of the Australian Rugby League's representative season.

The "who's who" of the game sat erect in their chairs in the  lavish surroundings of ANZ Stadium and pondered as to Stuart's assessment of Australia's prospects.

Even hard nosed coaches Tim Sheens and Craig Bellamy produced a wry smile and coaches from other countries surely were heartened as Stuart elaborated.

"It's takes more than talent to be a succesful at a World Cup-you need motivation," Stuart began when interviewed by Channel Nine sportscaster, Ken Sutcliffe.

"It is hard to get players up at the back of a season and this season will be extremely demanding. You really must have your wits about you and spend a lot of your time with individual players trying to motivate them."

Stuart already this season has demonstrated his "motivational powers" by convincing underdogs Cronula they could beat Manly at Brookvale Oval in the opening round of the NRL.

Stuart told the packed audience at ANZ that he could see rapid improvement in many of the nations competing in this year's World Cup.

"Other nations are growing quickly and they won't experience as tough a season as the NRL players," he said.  

"The appointment of Steve Kearney as coach of the Kiwis is a big plus." 

Kearney was asked of the Kiwis' prospects. 

"We will be very competitive but Australia has such a great depth of talent," he replied.

The representative launch was attended by former Word Cup stars in England's Cliff Watson and John Gray as well as Australians Paul Sironen, Greg Alexander, Barry Muir, Noel Kelly and Mal Meninga.

 Coaches agreed that players who represent Australia in the Word Cup will have earned their places in spades.

 They have to "survive" not only the hurly burly NRL premiership but the City-Country clash, three State of Origin clashes and the Centenary Test between Australia and New Zealand.

Little wonder Ricky Stuart revealed a hint of apprehension as to the World Cup outcome.

However, Stuart woud have felt buoyed by the declaration of Queensland captain and genuine superstar Darren Lockyer as to the year ahead.

Lockyer told the ANZ gathering: "This is shaping as the best ever season of representative football and I know all the boys are desperately keen to play in the World Cup. I certainly am."

by Geoff Prenter