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Dave Woods leads a fascinating discussion with Huddersfield Giants head coach Ian Watson who, by his own admission, is a rugby league obsessive. The man who guided Salford Red Devils to Challenge Cup and Super League Grand Finals and was Great Britain assistant coach on the last tour, is now leading a new era at the Giants. He talks about his strict upbringing and swimming prowess, memories of playing for Wales in the World Cup, his mentors, Tony Smith, Tim Sheens and Wayne Bennett and his desire to lead GB, as well as his hopes for Huddersfield, who were narrowly beaten in this year’s Challenge Cup Final.

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01:25 Ian talks about his ‘nightmare’ first year at Huddersfield, how he’s changed their fortunes and says his focus is on reaching a Grand Final.
07:30 Watson gets annoyed about the lack of opportunities for British coaches in Super League.
10:40 He talks about his work ethic, something that was drilled in to him by his father.
12:25 As a youngster he was taking part in national swimming championships and getting up at 6am to train.
17:00 Watson holds the appearance record for Wales, and it all began in Philadelphia in 1995.
22:20 In 2000 Wales reached the semi-finals of the World Cup where they faced Australia.
28:30 He talks about Great Britain and the disappointing last Lions tour where he worked as an assistant to Wayne Bennett.
33:50 Ian says his big coaching influences are Tony Smith, Tim Sheens and Bennett and there’s more tales from that GB tour.
42:30 Watson admits he’s a rugby league obsessive and details the work he puts in to prepare for games.
46:20 Finally, he suggests what he feels is desperately needed to help build and progress the sport.