Six players who could feature for Wales at upcoming Rugby League World Cup
orIn honour of St David’s Day, we take a look at six players who could represent Wales at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.
Caleb Aekins
Caleb Aekins could make his debut for Wales at this year’s Rugby League World Cup. The 24-year-old moved over to England in the off-season after joining Championship club Leigh Centurions for the 2022 campaign. Aekins was born and raised in New Zealand, but he is of Welsh heritage through his mother Kimberley’s side of the family.
He told Love Rugby League: “I’m looking forward to putting on the Welsh jersey if it comes about and representing my family.
“It would be everything to my mum. My grandfather as well, he was a proud Welshman, he was the one who took us over. He passed away a few years ago but I know it would mean everything to him. He would be proud.”
Bradman Best
Newcastle Knights centre Bradman Best could well represent Wales at this year’s World Cup. Best was born and raised in Australia but qualifies to play for Wales through the heritage rule. The 20-year-old made his debut with Newcastle Knights in 2019. He has played 31 games to date in the NRL
Regan Grace
The St Helens winger is a product of the WRL junior rugby league system in South Wales, initially starting at Neath Port Talbot Steelers. Regan Grace has made six appearances for Wales to date, scoring three tries. He also featured in the World Cup Nines in 2019. He will no doubt be a starting winger for head coach John Kear in 2022.
Gil Dudson
Prop Gil Dudson made his international debut for Wales in 2008 and has been a regular ever since. To date, the Cardiff-born forward has won more than 20 caps. Dudson featured in the 2011 Four Nations and the 2013 and 2017 Rugby League World Cups. He has enjoyed more than 200 career appearances across stints with Crusaders, Wigan, Widnes, Salford and Catalans.
Rhys Williams
Rhys Williams is Wales’ record try scorer and joint record cap holder. He has played in two World Cups for Wales, in 2013 and 2017. He also featured in the 2019 World Cup 9s in Australia. Williams was part of the Wales men’s side that won the 2009, 2010 and 2015 European Championship, plus played in the 2011 Four Nations. The Salford winger is likely to take the other wing spot alongside Regan Grace.
Bailey Antrobus
Bailey Antrobus is an NRL prospect, currently contracted to St George Illawarra Dragons. Antrobus qualifies for Wales via the heritage rule. He is an Australian Under-18s national schoolboy champion in 2018. The back-rower or lock has gone through the Dragons junior system and made eight appearances in 2021. He could make his debut later this year at the Rugby League World Cup.
READ MORE: 13 NRL players to look out for in this year’s Rugby League World Cup