Taking the core plug out is easier than taking the head of even if you could get the cam out from the pulley end!!

Just leave the core plug in and get the cam mobile. Then use the camshaft to knock out the core plug by tapping the pulley end with a hammer gently.

Alternatively, if you are just checking it (lobe wear?), why don't you just remove all the followers and rotate it around so you can see down the follower bore?