Kerr's set to play a big hand
By Christian Niccolussi
October 16, 2008
WE'VE had Ron Coote and Roy Bull in league, horse racing's Edgar Britt and Adrian Quist in tennis.
Now Ireland have delivered their own wonderfully-named athlete - Wayne Kerr.
Even if the hard-hitting prop fails to make an impact for the rugby league minnows this World Cup, Kerr is sure to be talked about long after the tournament is over.
As the Irish rugby league side touched down in Sydney Wednesday, it was Kerr who attracted the most attention, despite having won just three international caps.
The 24-year-old said he had always created a stir because of his name and the extra attention would be no different Down Under.
"As my Ma always said to me, she gave me my name for a reason, so it would never be forgotten," Kerr told The Daily Telegraph.
"I've been bagged over it my whole life, but it doesn't worry me. If the Australian fans get behind me because of the name, brilliant. I'll enjoy it.
"Hopefully they'll embrace me. If I can get some game time I'll try and show them it's not about my name but the way I play."
Kerr, from Ireland's Carlow Crusaders club, took up league three years ago after 12 seasons playing union.
One of four Irish-born players, Kerr said he was looking forward to putting his nuggety frame on the line against the hard-hitting Tongans and Samoans in the pool games.
Ireland coach Andy Kelly said there was no way Ireland had travelled halfway around the globe to make up the numbers and would draw on the fighting Irish spirit.
"We're here to be a big part of the World Cup and to be a big part we can't whimper in and whimper out," Kelly said. "We're not here to be clowns and be out of the competition after two games."
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24501706-23214,00.html?from=public_rss
