A STRONG ten-player squad, half of whom are full internationals, will play the Wales Wheelchair team on Saturday as part of final preparations for the forthcoming World Cup in Australia, which starts on October 30.
The side, selected from all four domestic teams, will meet Wales at Wrexham University at 2.00pm.
Admission is free for all spectators and the game will be followed at 5.30pm by a meal at which members of the World Cup squad will be presented with their shirts. Tickets are available by visiting WRL Wheelchair WC shirt presentation & Dinner.
The Wales Select side has been chosen by coaches Paul Sargent and Harry Mitchell-Jones (who is also playing) and comprises Jess Booth, Wyatt Jones, Tomos Parker, Libbie Sargent (Cardiff Blue Dragons), Poppy Cayton (Aber Valley Wolves), Mason Baker, Mitchell-Jones, Ethan Neilson (North Wales Crusaders), Jamie Reynolds and Jason Reynolds (South Wales Jets).
The Reynolds, together with Booth, Baker, and Mitchell-Jones, are the internationals in the Select side.
Mitchell-Jones said: “I believe we have a group capable of providing Wales with a valuable test ahead of the World Cup.
“The squad offers a strong balance of experience, skill and versatility. Every player brings something different, and I’m confident they will challenge the World Cup squad while showcasing their own ability.
“Poppy, Libbie and Tomos have done exceptionally well this season, making the step up to training with the national team. They thoroughly deserve this opportunity to test themselves against the World Cup squad.
“Wyatt brings several years of experience, and his performances for Salford in the Development North competition this season have demonstrated his quality. This is a deserved opportunity for him to showcase his talents against Wales’ best.
“Jess was unfortunate to miss out on selection for the Celtic Cup and World Cup squads.
“This fixture offers them all the perfect platform to demonstrate their ability and make a strong case for future international selection.
“It’s fantastic to see Mason back in the sport following a well-deserved break. His experience will be a real asset to this group, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he brings to the team.
“The Reynolds pair are among the most consistent performers in the Welsh League, and both impressed at the Celtic Cup earlier this year. It’s a real shame they were unavailable for the World Cup, but we’re delighted to have their quality and experience in this squad.
“Ethan has been a stand-out performer for the Crusaders in the Championship this season. Although he missed out on selection for England’s youth pathway, I firmly believe he deserves the chance to showcase his quality.”
Wales Wheelchair coach Alan Caron said: “This is going to be a really valuable test for us. Having five full internationals in the Development side means we know we’ll be facing a team with plenty of experience, as well as players who are going to be desperate to show what they can do.
“It’s exactly the type of challenge we need at this stage of our World Cup preparations.”
