HEAD coaches of the two sides who will battle it out next week have spoken of what the game means to them.

Whitehaven-born St Helens star Amor will play alongside other Cumbrians in his final ever game at the LEL Arena, Whitehaven, this month as he prepares to retire from Rugby League.

Amor’s testimonial game will see Cumbria play Wales on October 13 (7.30pm) and has previously been described as giving a real test to the Welsh team.

Speaking ahead of the game, Cumbrian head coach Paul Crarey said: “I’ve done this (coached Cumbria) for the last few years, and I think we have only lost once to the England Knights. We’ve beat Tonga, America, Jamaica, drew to England and lost against England.

“It’s a great occasion, well supported, I think there was 4,000 people at short notice against Jamaica which we won before they went to world cup. It’s a great occasion and everybody comes together - that’s what I like about it, all three clubs come together.

“You remember it for the rest of your life. I played myself in 1992 against Australia at Derwent Park and it was a fantastic occasion.”

Speaking of Amor, Crarey said: “I’m just so proud for Kyle really. It’s very rare you get to represent someone, and he has been an absolute rock for Cumbrian rugby league, he has always supported it, always made himself available and always promoted it where he can.

“Hopefully everybody can get down and show their appreciation for what he has done for Cumbrian rugby league.”

Wales head coach, John Kear said: “I think it’s marvellous that Cumbria have got a fixture because obviously it’s a hotbed of rugby league.

"The Cumbrian lads take a great deal of pride in representing the county so we recognise it will be a very difficult challenge. We’ve got a mixture of some experienced players who have played in the world cup and some young lads who are going to be given the opportunity to put their hand up for future representative honours.”

Kear has worked with Amor throughout his career at Widnes and Wakefield. He said: “It has been a fantastic career hasn’t it? You have only to look at his CV, the challenge cup wins, grand final wins international appearances and the number of appearances he has made in super league.

“He has had a great career and I think it’s a fitting tribute from both the Cumbrian team and us as a Wales select 13 to front up and put on a good show for Kyle and the fans.”

Tickets have been launched from the game via online service Skiddle, as well as being available from Sportzone in Whitehaven.

To buy the tickets you can click here.