Wales men’s head coach Paul Berry has named six potential debutants in his squad for Saturday’s international against the USA at The Wern in Merthyr Tydfil (kick-off 3pm).
It is only the fourth time that the two sides have met in a senior men’s side international, and the first to be held in South Wales. The match is being played in preparation for Wales’ Celtic Cup campaign which starts with an away trip to Scotland next week.
Jackson Connor, Oliver Garmston, Will Jones, Tokoaitua Owen, Taine Woodford and Ed Williams, are the potential debutants.
Connor and Owen both have their roots in Merthyr Tydfil, each qualifying via a grandfather from the town, making Saturday’s event at The Wern particularly significant.
Connor, 20, is a big prop forward with Brisbane Tigers, but has spent his season getting minutes for Carina in Brisbane A-Grade, whilst Owen, 18, is in the wider Brisbane Broncos system after progressing through the youth at South Logan Magpies.
Woodford, 24, also comes over from Australia for the month. He has been a regular with the Newcastle Knight’s NSW Cup squad, qualifying for Wales through a grandparent from Bedwas.
The other three newcomers are a bit more local. Garmston, 19, was a regular with Salford RLFC this season in the Championship. He played for the Wales A side in 2025.
Jones, 24, made his Championship debut this year, playing for title winners London Broncos after progressing through the community game at Hammersmith Hills Hoists.
Williams, 17, played for the Wales U16 side just last year. He is coming through the ranks at Warrington Wolves.
The match headlines a busy afternoon of international rugby league in Merthyr, with Wales A taking on the Sir Billy Boston Memorial XIII in a curtain-raiser at 12.30pm.
Paul Berry, Wales men’s head coach, said: “Saturday is a really important day for us, both in terms of the opportunity to represent Wales against the USA and the chance to give more players valuable international experience ahead of the Celtic Cup.
“We have a good blend of players in the senior squad, with experience to help guide those who are looking to take the next step in their careers. It is particularly pleasing to see players coming through the pathway and earning the opportunity to be involved at this level.
“The Wales A game is an important part of that process, too. It gives us another chance to assess players in a competitive environment and keep building the depth we need across the programme.
“We’re looking forward to seeing our supporters in Merthyr on Saturday for what promises to be a great afternoon for rugby league in Wales.”
Wales Men’s Side Squad: Tokoaitua Owen* (Brisbane Broncos), Jackson Connor* (Carina Tigers), Sam Grice (Castleford Tigers), Charlie Newton (Huddersfield Giants), Connor Davies, Curtis Davies (Halifax Panthers), Ant Walker (Hunslet RLFC), Max Clarke (Keighley Cougars), Will Jones* (London Broncos), Owen Restall (Midlands Hurricanes), Taine Woodford* (Newcastle Knights), George Birch (Newcastle Thunder), Sam Bowring, Oliver Garmston*, Charlie Glover, Fin Yates (Salford RLFC), Ed Williams* (Warrington Wolves), Matty Fozard (Widnes Vikings), Samuel Dickenson (Wigan Warriors)
* potential senior international debutant.
Wales A Side Squad:
Jackson Connor (Carina Tigers), Josh Harding, Will Mathers (Hull FC), Evan Williams (Hull KR), Finlay Walker, Henry Parker (Leigh Leopards), Jake Nottingham (Lithgow Workies), Ioan Herbert, Matt Ross (London Broncos), Jacob Purcell, Jermarie Chatham (London Broncos/All Golds), George Birch (Newcastle Thunder), Huw Worthington, Isaac Wheatley (North Wales Crusaders), Alex Green, Llewellyn Hawkes, Lewis Ingram (WRL Students/Bridgend Blue Bulls), Kavan Phillips, Mason Phillips (WRL Students/South Wales Jets).
Saturday 17 October 2026
Sir Billy Boston Memorial XIII v Wales A – 12.30pm
Wales v USA – 3pm
The Wern, Merthyr Tydfil.
Tickets for Wales v USA for entry or streaming are available through the Wales Rugby League ticket page.
