Scorpions unveil 2011 squad
New South Wales Scorpions coach Aled James says that his players can’t wait to get out onto the field this Friday when they play their first game of the year, a friendly against a Warrington Wolves XIII at Cardiff Arms Park (kick-off 7.30pm).
The Super League side will be fielding the best possible line-up of players who won’t be taking to the field at Millennium Magic. The majority of the players will be from the under 20s side but a few first team players are expected to be there challenging the Scorpions as they prepare for their second season.
“Everyone’s ready to play,” said James, a Wales international who has turned out in Super League for both Crusaders and Widnes Vikings.
“The lads have been chomping at bit last few weeks and there’s lots of excitement in the camp. They all know that there are positions up for grabs for the new season.
“Training has been very competitive, we’re all just ready to play now. We’ve covered the basics on how we want to play this season, we’ve had a good pre-season practising them, we’re all ready for some match action now.”
The 28-year old has finialised his squad for 2011 after signing Robin Lock from Glamorgan Wanderers as well as completing the signing of trialist Tylan Mafi, who has previously played for Bridgend Blue Bulls.
He has named a 21-man first team for the season but has a number of fringe players who will turn out for Valley Cougars in the Co-operative Conference National. The Scorpions also hope to have up to four Crusaders players dual registered with them in 2011.
Sixteen of the 21 are Welsh born with a further three being Welsh qualified, Andrew Gay and Christiaan Roets having played for Wales and Tongan-born Tylan Mafi for Wales Dragonhearts.
“We’re happy with the players in the squad right now but we haven’t ruled out strengthening the squad during the season,” said James. “There are a few areas that we are pro-active in looking at.
“A big factor this year for the players is going to be ownership. The players are part of the squad but they are also individually responsible for what they do for the club, during games, in training and off the field.
“We’ve a good blend of youth and experience in the squad and like last year, it’s predominantly Welsh. This is an important factor for us to move forward and that’s the way we want to keep it. The way we play is the way Welsh people are brought up – carrying a rugby ball.”
SCORPIONS SQUAD 2011
1. Andrew Gay
2. Lewis Reece
3. Christiaan Roets
4. Ashley Bateman
5. Curtis Cunningham
6. Dafydd Carter
7. Casey Bromilow
9. Steve Parry
11. Lewis Mills
12. Loz Wilbore
13. Aled James
14. Tom Burnell
15. Neil Dallimore
16. Joe Burke
17. Harri Greville
18. Chris Davies
19. Barrie Phillips
20. Hywel Davies
23. Tylan Mafi
24. Dalton Grant
25. Robin Lock
Tickets are available on the gate at Cardiff Arms Park, priced £10 for adults, £6 for concessions.