Young Londoners line up for Quins
Harlequins Rugby League has named a 20-man squad for Saturday's third annual Capital Challenge to be played at White Hart Lane Community Stadium.
Among Brian McDermott's squad is 18-year old forward Joe Walsh who joined the club on Monday on a two-year deal.
Walsh comes to Harlequins from Leeds although has previously played for Bradford. He was a member of the England U/18 Academy team which played against the Australian schoolboys this year.
According to Harlequins Director Tony Rea, the Australian staff rated Walsh as 'one to watch' and Head Coach Brian McDermott is looking to the future, "Joe adds a bit of experience to our own youth set-up and he is long term project for us."
Walsh will be joined by six other members of the Quins top-flight squad including, Tony Clubb, Chris Melling, Karl Temata, Louie Mc Carthy-Scarsbrook, Michael Worrincy and Dave Tootill.
The Quins line-up boasts of some of London's best young talent, with just two non Brits in the 20-man squad.
The Skolars team includes some well known rugby league names in the shape of Paul Thorman – younger brother of former London Broncos player, Chris – and Lydan Maitua, younger brother of Kangaroo International, Reni.
Coach Brian McDermott sees Saturday's game as important, and not just for the members of his first team: "Obviously our key players involved will benefit from the run as will the younger players who get their chance.
It's a good mix of players who have come through London's development ranks, and those who are already on their way."
And of course there's one or two players staking a claim for our opening Super League game next Friday."
In 2005, the club then known as London Broncos, scraped home 19-18 with a last minute drop goal from Zebastian Luisi, and then last year the National League 2 side managed a 28-all draw.
Quins RL squad: Chris Melling, Lamont Bryan, Tony Clubb, Joe Price, Will Sharp, Dylan Skee, Tom Bold, Karl Temata, John Sullivan, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Michael Worrincy, Dave Tootill, Joe Walsh, Oli Purslow, David Williams, Irving Greenwood, Jasper Nketiah, Liam Prescott, Alex Raymond, Ben Pegna
Skolars squad: Callan Sipthorpe, Jonny Williams, Dene Millar, Ashley Tozer, Corey Simms, Jermaine Coleman, Paul Thorman, Allan Barker, Frank Reid, Dave Ellisn, Mike Castle, Richard Louw, Lydan Maitua, Kurt Pittman, Gareth Honor, Keir Bell, Warren Heilig, Powhiri Bidois, Dave Brown, Martyn Benson
The Capital Challenge will kick off at 3pm. At 12.30 RLC Conference new-boys London Griffins will take on Southgate Eagles in a curtain-raiser.
Tickets are priced £10 adults, £5 concessions. To book tickets or for more information call 0208 888 84 88.
Harlequins RL 2007 Season Tickets can still be purchased from just £99 – Call 020 8410 6000