Stuart Pearce has revealed his part in England’s bid for Rugby League World Cup glory, having coached wing sensation Dom Young as a teenage footballer.
The Three Lions legend joined up with Shaun Wane’s squad this week to deliver a motivational talk ahead of this weekend’s final group game against Greece. Pearce watched the squad train and was locked in deep conversation with several players as The Sportsman filmed the latest episode of The Last Tackle.
England are flying high with two wins from their opening two games against Samoa and France, setting up a likely quarter-final against the dangerous Papua New Guinea. And having come so close to international immortality with England’s football squad at Italia 90 and Euro 96, Pearce now wants to do everything he can to propel the rugby league side to success on home soil.
READ MORE:
- The RLWC's standout moments so far
- How Ryan Hall can help Dom Young to fire
- England (-66) 20/21 to beat Greece - Betfred*
“I saw the effect of people like Paul Gascoigne, who was a star in my profession,” says Pearce. “The public warmed to him, his talent was there for all to see and Shaun has created a wonderful environment where players can show their talents.
“The more stars we have in the game, the better the England team will do, which will be better for the clubs and the sport.”
Pearce is a passionate rugby league fan and a regular presence at the Warrington Wolves, whose half-back George Williams will captain the side this Saturday with Sam Tomkins rested. But it is 21-year old giant Young who has become England’s ‘Gazza’ of this World Cup so far, running in four spectacular tries in his first two games to take the tournament by storm.
And Pearce has revealed his own bond with the NRL flyer, from Young’s teenage years as an amateur footballer in Wakefield in the years before his big move to Australia.
“Dom Young has grabbed attention, and I coached him as a 14-year old footballer believe it or not. He used to play for my brother-in-law’s team, Durkar Devils! I’ve had that connection with him and seen his family at games.
“I went over and said hello to Dom and sent my regards from the in-laws and said ‘well done, they are really proud of you’. Credit to him, he is having a really good tournament, but make sure those feet stay firmly on the floor.”
Pearce fell in love with rugby league 15 years ago, and became addicted to the sport’s intensity and community spirit. He was invited by Wane to deliver a presentation on leadership and motivation this week during a break in training at the squad’s Robin Park headquarters in Wigan.
“We had a good half-hour together and I shared a few key messages, a couple of quotes from Gary Kasparov about talent, hard work, togetherness, wellbeing, looking after each other and leadership across all rungs of a sporting environment.
“It’s not just down to Shaun to deliver leadership, it’s maybe down to the youngest member of the squad to deliver that as well. We covered a few topics and nobody fell asleep! Then I watched training and it was a brilliant day for me to be part of the team environment. I was at the game at the weekend, which was fantastic, a great experience and I just love the sport.
“The intensity of the game is incredible, the honesty in the game is incredible, and the unity amongst the players too who go head-to-head for 80 minutes, and then there’s a great camaraderie at the end of the game.
“Rugby goes far beyond the sport, into the community, and if you have never been to see a rugby league game, come and see a rugby league game, come on Saturday and support your country.”
Pearce has made sure the players know they are playing their part in a pivotal moment for rugby league in the UK.
The 60-year old experienced a tidal wave of public support in England’s thrilling run to the final of their home tournament at Euro 96, and knows as well as anyone what that can do for the appetite for, and engagement in, a sport nationwide.
“Anything with the English national team is big,” Pearce adds. “I know the power that a successful English team at this tournament will have for the sport across the country, I’ve seen it when I was involved in football with Euro 96. Looking from afar it looks like it is growing in momentum and hopefully England get closer and closer to the final.
“If England get to the World Cup final then Shaun will get a text from me the night before. I hope they do it and I can’t think of anything better for the development of the game.”
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject to Change
