World is in his hands when this Eagle dares

PADDY COUPAR was set to fly out today with the rest of Scotland's squad for the Rugby League World Cup in Australia.

And the only Edinburgh Eagles and home-based representative is determined to return enriched with experiences that can help repay the club for assistance above and beyond the call of duty.

Said Coupar: "I feel a real responsibility to try to force my way into the starting line-up or at least a place on the bench after Eagles organised extra training sessions out of season just so that I could keep working on my handling and tackling. Also, Napier University, where I am studying sports science and where I got bitten by the rugby league bug three years ago, were very helpful in keeping their gym open for me at times over the summer so I could put in extra training."

It is the aim of the uncapped Coupar to also do justice to a move that took him out of rugby union with Edinburgh Accies in pursuit of success in the 13-a-side code.

"I was enjoying my time at Accies but the opportunity to join the Workington Town rugby league academy proved too much. I had a few games with them before returning to help Napier enjoy an unbeaten season at student level while Eagles won the Scottish Conference."

It was form shown with Eagles that helped propel 22-year-old Coupar, whose brother Matt is a regular for Accies in the Scottish rugby union premiership, towards representative honours. Already capped by Scotland A, Scotland Students and Scotland Amateurs, forthcoming pool matches against France on October 26 and Fiji (November 5) will mean a big step up but at least Coupar is acclimatised.

Coupar, who plays at centre or half back, added: "Earlier this year I travelled to Australia with Scotland for the student world cup in what was a big learning experience. Returning so quickly is a real thrill especially as a I feel Scotland have the capability to progress through the group.

"The selectors have cast a wide net and included not only the likes of Danny Brough from Wakefield Wildcats, who is an outstanding player and also our captain, but the three Henderson brothers – Ian, Kevin and Andrew."

The Hendersons have considerable experience of Super League and although born in Torquay qualify for Scotland through their Glasgow-born father. "I really believe Scotland are well placed to reach the semi-finals," said Coupar. To do that Scotland will have to top their group from which they would go in alongside three from Australia, England, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea under the tournament's commercially orientated seedings.

"One of the things I'd like to do on returning from learning against the best players in the world is to assist Edinburgh in their next Challenge Cup bid," added Coupar. The Eagles go forward into the preliminary round as Scottish champions and Coupar feels progress could be just around the corner while keeping options open about his own future. "At the moment it is all about trying to force my way into the Scotland team for a successful tournament and after that I'll see what happens."

Meanwhile, Eagles manager Mike Wallace has backed Coupar to make an impact down under.

Said Wallace: "Paddy is a very good leader on and off the pitch.

"Throughout the year he has been working hard both on his skills and in the gym. Now he's getting his reward and I fancy he could force his way on to the bench amidst all the Super League and Australian pro players who make up the Scottish squad.

"Eagles' last match was our Scottish Grand Final win in July but a lot of our guys were delighted to get together with some Napier student players to keep Paddy ticking over and when the Challenge Cup bid comes around next March he'll be a key player for us once again."