Wales to use Scorpions talent for Commonwealth 9s
Wales have announced their squad for the Commonwealth Games 9s tournament, and 14 out of 15 of the young players picked ply their trade for the same club.
All but one of the 15-man squad play for South Wales Scorpions u-19s, with one, Harry Cartwright, coming from North Wales Crusaders.
Six of those attend Maesteg School and are also active members of the AASE Academy. This means that they train full-time in Rugby League whilst also gaining educational qualifications.
“The trials were really intense and there was lots of positives,” Welsh coach Jon Ellis said.
“The attitude in the camp is really good and everyone is in good form.
“We are bonding really well and have adopted the work ethos and positive approach needed to do well. The team is really young, but I know we have a team that puts their bodies on the line for one another.
“The coaching staff are all very experienced in each of their fields and have brought in a disciplined and professional approach to the set-up.
“It helps having myself and the team physio having served in the British Army and all having experience with coaching professionally and at international level. It helps to keep things going in the right direction.
“I really do feel that we have a great bunch of players and as they all know each other and know how they play, it’s not only useful with the calls on the field, but it creates a good team spirit.
“I think it’s fantastic that we have a Welsh team who all play their club Rugby League in Wales as well.”
WALES SQUAD: Ben Jones (WRL AASE Academy), Curtis Davies (South Wales Scorpions), Rhys Davies (South Wales Scorpions), Connor Davies (South Wales Scorpions), Morgan Jeffries (WRL AASE Academy), Alex King (South Wales Scorpions), James Taylor (South Wales Scorpions), Paul Edwards (South Wales Scorpions), Marcus Webb (South Wales Scorpions), Daniel Maiden (WRL AASE Academy), Jordan Thomas (WRL AASE Academy), Harry Boots (WRL AASE Academy), Zak Williams (WRL AASE Academy), Harry Cartwright (North Wales Crusaders) Joe Festa (South Wales Scorpions)