Five ones to watch for Wales at the World Cup
The 2017 Rugby League World Cup is just days away now and we at Love Rugby League have named our ones to watch for Wales at the tournament.
Wales head coach John Kear named his 24-man squad for the World Cup a few weeks ago and they have been unfortunate with injuries to a number of regular players but they still have a great deal of talent on show.
And we have selected the five main players to keep an eye out for at the tournament over in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in the next couple of weeks.
MORGAN KNOWLES (ST HELENS)
The 20-year-old has been nothing short of a sensation for St Helens this season and his performances were noticed as he was nominated for the Young Player of the Year award alongside Saints and Wales teammate Regan Grace, but the duo were beaten to the award by Wigan Warriors ace Oliver Gildart.
Morgan Knowles has made 28 appearances in Super League this year, taking 182 drives in and making a staggering 822 tackles and providing to be a key player for his side.
RHYS WILLIAMS (LONDON BRONCOS)
The London Broncos winger has had another consistent and strong season in the Championship and was one of the best wingers in the competition.
Rhys Williams is currently the top try-scorer in the Wales squad, with 18 scores in 24 games after making his debut for the Dragons back in 2008. He is a bulky winger and his size combined with pace causes the opposition all sorts of problems at times.
CRAIG KOPCZAK (SALFORD RED DEVILS)
The 30-year-old has been a clear stand-out for the Red Devils this year and he will be a good captain for Wales because he is true professional and well-disciplined, giving away just 12 penalties and coming up with only five errors this year.
Craig Kopczak has a great engine, too. The prop forward has made 316 carries and 772 tackles this season in 28 league games, grabbing five tries as well as busting 23 tackles.
REGAN GRACE (ST HELENS)
The 20-year-old is, arguably, the most exciting player player to watch in Kear’s Wales outfit and is one of the most energetic players in Super League with his pace and quick footwork.
Regan Grace has played 22 games in Super League this term, scoring 10 tries. But he is equally as impressive in other areas as well, making an average gain of 8.73 metres and making 19 clean breaks.
SAM HOPKINS (LEIGH CENTURIONS)
The 27-year-old prop forward was a consistent performer for the Centurions in 2017, scoring seven tries in 24 Super League games but was unfortunate to lose the three-year contract extension he earned in June due to the club losing in the Million Pound Game and failing to avoid relegation.
Sam Hopkins will be looking to impress at the World Cup in a bid to find a Super League club, having make 633 tackles and 212 carries this season, with an average gain of 7.82 metres.
Do you agree with our five ones to watch for Wales? Or should someone else be in this list? Let us know in the comments below.