Wales men’s side head coach Paul Berry has named his squad to face Ireland in the Men’s Celtic Cup decider at Merthyr RFC this Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Both sides head into the contest after recording victories over Scotland in recent weeks, but Wales’ superior points difference means that they only need a draw to take the trophy.
A win for Wales will give them three victories in a row for the first time since 2015, which incidentally was the last time they lifted a trophy, when they won the European Championships.
With Wales A taking on Combined Southern England Regions as a curtain-raiser (kick-off 12.30pm), it’s set to be an exciting day for Welsh fans.
There are three potential changes to the 38-0 win in Scotland last week, with two potential debutants. Jackson Connor from Brisbane’s Carina Tigers is in line for his first senior Welsh cap, whilst if Mason Phillips appears, it will be the third Wales side he’s appeared for this year after previously starring for Wales Students and Wales A. London Broncos’ Matt Ross could also feature for a fifth Welsh cap and his first of the season.
Berry said: “We’re really looking forward to this one. Ireland are a strong side, and we know we’ll have to be at our best to get the result we want. The players did a fantastic job in Scotland last week in the worst weather conditions I’ve ever experienced as a rugby league player or coach, but we’ve got to carry that momentum into Saturday and finish the job.
“To have the chance to win the Celtic Cup in front of our own supporters at Merthyr RFC is a great opportunity. A draw would be enough, but we’re not going out there to play for a draw. We want to win, make it three victories in a row and bring a trophy home to Wales.”
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Wales Men: Tokoaitua Owen (Brisbane Broncos), Jackson Connor* (Carina Tigers), Sam Grice (Castleford Tigers), Connor Davies, Curtis Davies (Halifax Panthers), Charlie Newton (Huddersfield Giants), Ant Walker (Hunslet RLFC), Will Jones, Matt Ross (London Broncos), Taine Woodford (Newcastle Knights), Sam Bowring, Oliver Garmston, Fin Yates (Salford RLFC), Lewis Ingram* (WRL Students/Bridgend Blue Bulls), Mason Phillips (WRL Students/South Wales Jets), Ed Williams* (Warrington Wolves), Matty Fozard, Mike Butt (Widnes Vikings), Sam Dickenson (Wigan Warriors)
Wales A Squad: Josh Harding, Will Mathers (Hull FC), Evan Williams (Hull KR), Finlay Walker, Henry Parker (Leigh Leopards), Jake Nottingham (Lithgow Workies), Ioan Herbert, Jacob Purcell, Matt Ross (London Broncos), Jermarie Chatham (London Broncos/All Golds), George Birch (Newcastle Thunder), Ashton Robinson, Isaac Wheatley (North Wales Crusaders), Alex Green, Llewellyn Hawkes (WRL Students/Bridgend Blue Bulls), Kavan Phillips, Mason Phillips (WRL Students/South Wales Jets), Oscar Jones (Wales U19s).
