RFL press release18th of October 2011
Wales Rugby League have released their 24-man squad for their Gillette Four Nations campaign which starts with a warm-up match against...
Wales Rugby League have released their 24-man squad for their Gillette Four Nations campaign which starts with a warm-up match against Ireland this Saturday at The Gnoll in Neath (kick-off 6pm).
The squad contains three potential new caps in Crusaders’ Peter Lupton who qualifies under the three-year residency rule, plus two Australian-based players - Matt Seamark who plays for Brisbane Broncos' feeder side Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Tyson Frizell, from Sydney-based NRL side Cronulla Sharks, both of whom have Welsh-born fathers.
Out of the 24, half played their Rugby League in Wales throughout 2011, nine for the Crusaders and three for South Wales Scorpions. In addition, Warrington Wolves’ Rhys Williams, who needs to score just three tries this year to surpass his coach as Wales’ record try scorer, spent some time on loan at Crusaders earlier this year.
The full squad come together for the first time this week after training mainly in north and south camps over the past month.
Wales coach Iestyn Harris said: “It was difficult to reduce a 35-man train-on squad to this squad of 24 but I think we’ve got a good mix of youth and experience.
“It is in the main, quite a youthful squad with only six of our squad aged in their 30s, the rest of the players all being in their 20s. But they are full of enthusiasm for Wales and are determined to do well. We’ve a tough competition ahead of us but we know that we can handle it and we’re looking forward to getting out there.
“This Saturday’s game against Ireland in Neath is so important to us. A few of our players will have had more game-time than others over the last month or two so we need to find out exactly where we are as a squad before we take on England.”
Wales kick-off their international season with a warm-up match against Ireland on Saturday 22nd October at The Gnoll in Neath (kick-off 6pm). Tickets are priced £5 for concessions and £10 for adults in advance, going up to £6 and £12 respectively on the day. They can be bought by going to
www.walesrugbyleague.co.uk.
Wales squad: Chris Beasley - Central Comets (Australia)
Andy Bracek - Crusaders
Lee Briers - Warrington Wolves
Neil Budworth - MacKay Cutters (Australia)
Ross Divorty - Featherstone Rovers
Gil Dudson - Crusaders
Ben Flower - Crusaders
Tyson Frizell - Cronulla Sharks (Australia)
Andrew Gay - South Wales Scorpions
Aled James - South Wales Scorpions
Jordan James - Crusaders
Danny Jones - Halifax
Craig Kopzcak - Bradford Bulls
Elliot Kear - Crusaders
Mark Lennon - Thirroul Butchers (Australia)
Peter Lupton - Crusaders
Christiaan Roets - South Wales Scorpions
Matt Seamark - Wynnum Manly Seagulls (Australia)
Gareth Thomas - Crusaders
Ian Watson - Swinton Lions
Ian Webster - Central Comets (Australia)
Lloyd White - Crusaders
Lee Williams - Crusaders
Rhys Williams - Warrington Wolves
Coaching staff Iestyn Harris Head Coach
Barry Eaton Assistant Coach
Damian Gibson Assistant Coach
Dan Clements Assistant Coach
Richard Johnson Doctor
Ben Stirling Physio
Mark Rowley Team Manager
John Devereux Team Manager
Richard Hunwicks Strength and Conditioning Coach
