Rhys Jacks included in final Canada squad for Americas Championship

Rhys Jacks has been named in Canada’s final 21-man playing squad and backroom staff for the 2018 Americas Championship.

The University of NorthFlorida, Jacksonville, will host two double-header rounds on November 13 and 17, and in the opening fixtures the Wolverines take on Jamaica, the winners facing either hosts USA or Chile.

Benjamin Fleming is the Canadian’s head coach, with Henry Miers as assistant. Daniel Tupou Kaloudonu also joins the coaching ranks after narrowly missing selection as player, with Paul Buchanan team manager, head trainer Simon Paige and Canada Ravens women’s physiotherapist, Ed Middleton completing the off-field line up.

“The selection process has been very tough,” confirmed Fleming.

“Canada’s geography makes it difficult to view all players equally, and it’s a difficult vetting process to work through.”

“The selectors and coaches did see some great video of domestic and provincial games which was beneficial to establish transparency and fairness.”

Fleming added: “With the tools we had and the numerous people we spoke with, we feel we have done the best possible job to select the strongest squad.

“The team is representative of the type of depth Canada Rugby League is starting to develop and we also wanted to reward players for their firm commitment to this growing sport.

“With our first game being against a full-strength Jamaican side, we need every player common to the goal, which is winning a berth in our first ever World Cup, in England in 2021.”

Canada 21-man squad for Americans Championship: Shaun McKenzie, Rick Schouten (Abbotsford Griffins, Canada); Christian Miller, Jason Park (Brantford Broncos, Canada); Ash Calvert (Berowra Wallabies, Australia); Josh Kelly (Calgary Cowboys, Canada); Jack Couzens (Coastal Cougars, Canada); Brad Austin (Halswell Hornets, New Zealand); Louis Robinson (London Skolars, UK); Wes Black, Joel Hulett (Ourimbah Magpies, Australia); Rhys Jacks (Sunshine Coast Falcons, Australia); Eddie Bilborough, Antoine Blanc, Emil Borggren, Michael Mastroianni  (Toronto City Saints, Canada); Jordan Drew (Townsville Blackhawks, Australia); Ruairi McGoff (Ulverston RL, UK); Sean McInroy  (Unattached, Australia);  Scyler Dumas, Andrew Porter (Vancouver Dragons, Canada).