Ed Chamberlain bullish about Ireland’s World Cup prospects
Reaching the quarter-finals of the forthcoming World Cup is the minimum goal for Ireland, according to centre Ed Chamberlain.
The 26-year-old has linked up with the Ireland squad this week after helping Leigh secure promotion to Super League with a win over Batley in the Championship Grand Final.
Ireland coach Ged Corcoran has named an impressive squad for the forthcoming World Cup, with the majority of the squad coming from the NRL and Super League.
The Wolfhounds are in a group alongside New Zealand, Lebanon and Jamaica.
“The squad is looking pretty good,” Chamberlain told Love Rugby League.
“We’ve got a few high-profile players coming over from Australia and a lot of Super League players and some good players from the Championship, so I’m looking forward to it.
“We had a little talk and we want to get to the quarter-finals, that’s probably our minimum that we believe we can get.
“We need to get through the groups first in order to be reckoned with. We’re looking at quarter-finals and nothing less really.”
Chamberlain will be looking to add to his three Irish caps in his second World Cup this autumn.
Ed Chamberlain on Leigh’s promotion
Chamberlain has enjoyed a fine year with Leigh, individually and collectively. He scored 17 tries in 30 appearances.
He helped the Centurions clinch the 1895 Cup, the League Leaders’ Shield and promotion to Super League.
“It has been one helluva year,” Chamberlain added.
“We set our goals at the start of the year and winning the two finals was up there so to do it in style is great.
“It’s probably one of the best places I’ve been. Everyone is a world class player but there are no egos.
“We signed up at this club when we were in the Championship. For the last few yers it has been a bit of a yo-yo club but hopefully for next year and beyond we can stay up in Super League and can be that regular team in Super League that people are talking about.”
2023 will mark the fourth season Leigh have spent in Super League. They previously played in the top-flight in 2005, 2017 and 2021, suffering relegation in all three seasons.
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