ENGLAND rugby league star Adrian Morley has challenged the people of Chester to make their voices heard at the 2013 World Cup.
Prop forward Morley, who plays for Super League club Warrington Wolves, has represented his country with distinction on numerous occasions.
He is aiming to be in the England squad for the tournament later this year and hopes Chester fans will get behind the joint hosts.
The Rugby League World Cup trophy tour stops off in the city on Friday with visits to Cheshire County Sports Club and Upton-by-Chester High School.
“It’d be great have the people of Chester on board,” Morley told the Leader.
“Global sporting tournaments are an amazing thing to be a part of.
“Chester isn’t too far for Warrington and I know that plenty of people from the city already come to Wolves matches, and I’d love to see them at Rugby League World Cup 2013.
“It’s going to be an incredible tournament and I hope Chester will be a part of it.”
Rugby fans in Chester will have the chance to attend matches as reigning champions New Zealand face Samoa at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington, and Wales take on the USA at The Racecourse in Wrexham.
Both Warrington and Wrexham have also been chosen to host quarter-final games.
Morley was part of the England team which went out at the semi-final stage of the 2008 World Cup but the 35-year-old player believes 2013 could be England’s year.
“It’s a very exciting time to be an England player,” he said.
“The World Cup doesn’t come around too often, especially not on home soil, so all the English boys are fired up about the year ahead.
“There’s fierce competition for places this year and I think everyone will want to be involved and a part of what’s going to be a fantastic celebration for the sport.
“I’d love to be a part of it as a player, but even if I’m not selected I’ll still be trying to get to games.”
Tickets for all matches are now on sale and can be bought online at www.rlwc2013.com.