Rugby League Coaching Manuals

John Kear says the Wakefield Wildcats will not be resting on their laurels after taking the scalp of Wigan in the opening round of Super League XIV. Last weekend's12-6 win at the JJB Stadium got the Wildcats' season off to a flying start and coach Kear insists his side are a match for anybody on their day.

Speaking to Boots 'n' All, Kear said the opening-day win was in part a tribute to the late Adam Watene, but was mainly based on a confident squad of players.

"I think it was a factor in part," he said of the players' desire to pay homage to Watene.

"But I don't think it was the biggest factor.

"I think the biggest factor was the fact that the players went in there confident and believed they could play well.

"If we play well we've got enough talent to challenge anybody and the fact is we came off on the right side of the scoreline.

"That's the message that we've got to have for every round of Super League."

The Wildcats face a tough test to champions Leeds on Friday night with the Rhinos preparing for the forthcoming World Club Challenge match.

But Kear knows Leeds will not take their eye off the ball, as his side learned to their cost last season, and he insists the Wildcats cannot afford to relax after their good start.

He continued: "We've got to keep or feet firmly on the ground because, as people alluded to last year, it's a bit like a Grand National.

"There's 27 fences and we've just cleared fence one. There's another 26 to go and some tough fences coming up, none tougher than Friday night with the Leeds Rhinos.

"We know full well they are preparing for the World Club Challenge, but we were in this situation last year when we met Bradford in Round One and came up against Leeds Rhinos in Round Two.

"They played 40 minutes of the best rugby league that I can remember seeing in all of last season.

"They were absolutely sensational. I don't think it was us that played badly, I just think they were superb and stuck 30 points on us.

"We've got ensure that type of thing doesn't happen again , but we know full well there's a danger - as there always is when you got to Headingley and play the Leeds Rhinos."