At the last World Cup back in 2000, Ireland were led out by then first choice Great Britain prop Terry'Connor, and whilst he won't be playing in 2008, O'Connor will be monitoring their progress closely in Australia later this year.

"I think God doesn’t like the Irish, because in the World Cup in 2000 we were up against Scotland, Samoa – absolute nightmare, and New Zealand Maori – every one of them could tackle, even the half backs could knock the props’ heads off. And this year, we’re with Tonga and Samoa again. They could have put them with the Kiwis or the English instead of with us again!"

And finally, the perks of being based in Parramatta?

"It’ll be good for Barrie [McDermott, Ireland’s assistant coach] – he just wants to go to Coogee Beach every day wearing his muscle vest and his little Speedos! If anyone goes down around Coogee, they’ll see Baz jogging up and down the beach in his little thongs and his muscle top – it’ll be fantastic!"

Former Wigan and Widnes prop Terry O'Connor discusses his new role at Widnes and Ireland's World Cup prospects in Issue 2 of Code13 Magazine.