When it comes to International experience there are not many Irish men with more than Ged Corcoran.
Tomorrow the Offaly man will take charge of his first Amateur 4 Nations game when Ireland ‘A’ hosts Scotland ‘A’ in Belfast.
For the former Halifax, Sheffield Eagles and Toulouse player it doesn’t come much bigger than tomorrow.
“Saturday’s opening game of the four nations is massive, we have home advantage and we need to use that, as in we are in our country and our fellow country people will be watching so we need to do ourselves family friends and country proud.”
Despite his high hopes he is realistic too as he is aware that the opposition they will be facing will not role over easily.
“Scotland will be a tough game, they have some good ball players and some big lads in the pack, but I feel we have the right people in and around the squad this year, we have trained well and done some great sessions leading up to the start of the comp, the players are hungry and really want to impress as there are senior jerseys up for grabs at the end of the year.”
On top of his own experience Corcoran has been able to call on a number of senior internationals who are competing in the domestic competition. Almost all of whom he has played along side.
“There is a good balance in the squad, five or six lads with 1st team experience of training and playing with the seniors, but we gel well together everybody complimenting each others style of play.”
While this will only be his second game in charge he has been taking control of training sessions since the end of January and has been able to put the structures in place he feels are necessary for success.
This time with the squad means he is well aware of what they need to do in order to be successful against the Scots.
“We have to start strong and we have to get through and complete our sets, in defence and attack, strong tough aggressive defence, and stick to the calls and structure.
If we can do that and get a good completion rate I’m confident we will win the game.”
On top of the work that he as already done he has also called for his players to show pride in representing their country something he knows everything there is to know about.
“There’s things I want to see from the lads I want them to compete and give me their all not just for me but their team mates and their country and I’m sure everything else will take care of its self, I’m really looking forward to my first four nations as a coach.”
A win against Scotland will give not only the team but Corcoran a massive boost as they look to avenge the defeat they suffered last year in Scotstoun Stadium.
