London Broncos and Wales star Michael Channing has admitted he is desperate to tie down a position in the Dragons squad for Rugby League World Cup 2013.

Channing has represented Wales on two occasions, featuring in last year's autumn Internationals series against England and France.

And following an encouraging start to the season, the 20-year-old has his eyes trained on a place in the team for the nation's opening ceremony showdown with Italy on October 26.

"There's some decent competition for places in that Wales squad so I know I'll have to be playing regularly and playing well for London to secure my spot," said Channing.

"We've got a lot of people coming through, so the standard is going to be high, which is what you need in your squad if you want to be successful.

"But it's an exciting year for me as a Welsh international and I have to say that it's a big goal of mine to play at Rugby League World Cup 2013.

"But I know that consistency will very important and I know that I need to impress Iestyn Harris in the Super League this season."

Wales have been drawn alongside USA and Cook Islands in Group D, and will face both opponents on home soil.

And Channing, who qualifies to play for Wales through grandparents on both sides of his family, believes the Dragons have an excellent chance of progressing past the group stage, despite only one spot being available.

"I rate our chances of progression to the next stage of the competition, I really do," said the former London Irish and Harlequins Academy player.

"I'm not for a second suggesting that our group stage opponents won't be competitive because they'll be fired up, but I think we've got a great side together.

"We just want to win our group, but beyond that I think it's difficult to speak too much about targets.

"We can't get too carried away with what's in the long term, and risk ignoring what's in front of us."