Wales men’s side head coach John Kear has named his 18-player squad to face Jamaica at The Lextan Gnoll in Neath on Tuesday 15th October (kick-off 7.30pm).
There are seven players who are in line to earn their first men’s side cap, including three who have come through the WRL National Development Academy in Joe Coope-Franklin, Billy Walkley and Fin Yates.
Walkley, who is a former Wales U17 and U19 international, was the second-highest try scorer in League 1 this season and shortlisted for Young Player of the Year. He originates from Caerphilly-based Aber Valley Wolves.
Yates, who started off at Cynon Valley Cavaliers and played alongside Walkley in those Wales junior sides, has been played for Salford’s reserves this year.
Both of these players are set to become the first-ever youth products from their respective community clubs to win a Wales senior cap.
Coope-Franklin, who played in Super League for Salford Red Devils in 2022, played for Wales Students earlier this year.
Bowring, Clarke and Worthington all pulled on a Wales shirt last year in a testimonial match against Cumbria, but for Robinson, the captain of Leeds Rhinos reserves this season, it’ll be his first appearance for Wales at any level.
Tickets for the game against Jamaica at The Lextan Gnoll can be purchased online. Tickets will also be available on the gate.
Wales Squad v Jamaica: Bailey Antrobus (York Knights), Sam Bowring* (Midlands Hurricanes), Mike Butt (Widnes Vikings), Max Clarke* (Barrow Raiders), Joe Coope-Franklin* (Salford Red Devils), Connor Davies (Halifax Panthers), Gil Dudson (Warrington Wolves), Ben Evans (North Wales Crusaders), Will Evans (Whitehaven), Matty Fozard (Widnes Vikings), Elliot Kear (captain, Batley Bulldogs), Luis Roberts, Ashton Robinson* (both Leeds Rhinos), Anthony Walker (Swinton Lions), Billy Walkley* (Keighley Cougars), Rhys Williams (Swinton Lions), Huw Worthington* (Whitehaven), Finley Yates (Salford Red Devils).