photo by Ian Lovell

Wales’ coach Martin Hall has named a 29-man squad for the Dragons’ forthcoming rugby league internationals against Papua New Guinea and Scotland.

The Welsh face PNG on Sunday 28th October at Celtic Crusaders’ Brewery Field in Bridgend before travelling to Glasgow for their World Cup qualifying match a week later in a match to be shown live on Sky TV. Wales need to win this match by eight points following their 21-14 defeat to the Scots in Bridgend last year.

Lee Briers’ inclusion is dependent on his fitness. The Warrington half-back is suffering from an ankle injury sustained at St Helens last month and is currently undergoing intensive treatment in a bid to be fit to lead Wales against Papua New Guinea in Bridgend on October 28.

Iestyn Harris, who missed last year’s World Cup match against Scotland through injury is reported to be fully fit but missing from the squad is Keiron Cunningham who officially announced his retirement from all international rugby league last week.

There are 12 potential new caps in the 29. New Celtic Crusaders signings Aaron Summers, Ian Webster and Luke Dyer are included for the first time as are current Crusaders Phil Cushion, Hywel Davies, Geraint Davies and Grant Epton. Dave Halley, Matt James and Craig Kopczak join their experienced Bradford Bulls’ team-mate Harris in the squad while

“This could be our strongest squad in a long time,” said Wales Rugby League’s executive chairman Mark Rowley. “We’re pleased to have Iestyn back after the disappointment of his injury last year. He’s definitely fully fit this time around and has been instrumental in recent training especially with his Bradford team-mates. We’re all looking forward to seeing them in action against Papua New Guinea in Bridgend on October 28th.”

Tickets for Wales v Papua New Guinea priced £5 for adults and £3 concessions are available on-line from here.

FULL SQUAD
Anthony Blackwood (Celtic Crusaders)
Andy Bracek (Warrington Wolves)
Lee Briers (Warrington Wolves)
Phil Cushion (Celtic Crusaders)
Geraint Davies (Celtic Crusaders)
Hywel Davies (Celtic Crusaders)
Gareth Dean (Celtic Crusaders)
Luke Dyer (Celtic Crusaders)
Grant Epton (Celtic Crusaders)
Damien Gibson (Halifax)
Dave Halley (Bradford Bulls)
Iestyn Harris (Bradford Bulls)
Paul Highton (Salford City Reds)
Adam Hughes (Oldham)
Jordan James (Celtic Crusaders)
Matt James (Bradford Bulls)
Phil Joseph (Halifax)
Craig Kopczak (Bradford Bulls)
Mark Lennon (Celtic Crusaders)
David Mills (Harlequins)
Chris Morley (Swinton Lions)
Sean Penkywicz  (Halifax)
Bryn Powell (Dewsbury Rams)
Gareth Price (Widnes Vikings)
Robert Roberts (Oldham)
Byron Smith (Rochdale Hornets)
Aaron Summers (Celtic Crusaders)
Ian Watson (Halifax)
Ian Webster (Celtic Crusaders)

article by Ian Golden
12 October 2007