Young Welsh squad named
Wales have named a youthful looking train-on squad ahead of their campaign to win the European Cup.
The national side is currently without a Head Coach following John Dixon’s decision to return home, although an announcement is expected tomorrow with regards to his replacement. Iestyn Harris is currently the favourite with the media to take over the reins.
Celtic Crusaders feature prominently in the squad with no less than eleven players involved in the side. Five of their Super League debutants – Ashley Bateman, Gil Dudson, Elliot Kear, Lewis Mills and Lloyd White – are involved in the squad along with sextet Chris Beasley, Anthony Blackwood, Neil Budworth, Geraint Davies, Ben Flower and Jordan James.
Glenn Morrison and James Evans are also involved for the first time and are expected to provide a crucial structure to the squad in blending youth and experience.
There is also a place for Christiaan Roets, the only non-professional player involved in the squad, who currently plies his trade for Bridgend Blue Bulls.
Full Wales squad: Ashley Bateman (Celtic Crusaders), Chris Beasley (Celtic Crusaders), Anthony Blackwood (Celtic Crusaders), Andy Bracek (Barrow Raiders), Neil Budworth (Celtic Crusaders), Geraint Davies (Celtic Crusaders), Gareth Dean (Carcassonne), Ross Divorty (Featherstone Rovers), Gil Dudson (Celtic Crusaders), Ben Evans (Warrington Wolves), James Evans (Castleford Tigers), Rhys Evans (Warrington Wolves), Ben Flower (Celtic Crusaders), Rhys Griffiths (Warrington Wolves), Jordan James (Celtic Crusaders), Matt James (Halifax), Phil Joseph (Oldham), Elliot Kear (Celtic Crusaders), Craig Kopzcak (Bradford Bulls), David Mills (Hull Kingston Rovers), Lewis Mills (Celtic Crusaders), Glen Morrison (Bradford Bulls), Sean Penkywicz (Halifax), Bryn Powell (Dewsbury Rams), Mark Roberts (Halifax), Rob Roberts (Barrow Raiders), Christiaan Roets (Bridgend Blue Bulls), Ian Watson (Leigh Centurions), Ian Webster (Central Coast Comets), Lloyd White (Celtic Crusaders), Rhys Williams (Warrington Wolves).