Squads for RLWC 2017 European qualifiers

[Evil Homer]

But lets also be realistic! If you know that for 99% that a player will not be playing and everybody knows that, then why name him? 

It gets people talking.

[MidlandsRugbyLeague]

It gets people talking.

Exactly. It shines a light on our sport in areas that normally dont get much coverage. Our game is slammed for not promoting itself and daring the dream... but then dreaming isnt encouraged and promotion is questioned. Catch 22.

[wackojacko]

Ireland have reined themselves in and named just 40 in their squad including a lot of SL and Championship talent but most importantly Wayne Kerr is in.

 

IRELAND 40-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Onisi Burekama, Gareth Gill, Paddy James, Connor Phillips (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), Adam Boyce, Sam Boyd, Chris Hall, Matt McKelvey (Belfast Met Scholars), Joe Keyes (Bradford Bulls), Haydn Peacock (Carcassonne), Rob Armstrong (Cork Bulls), James Kelly, Mikey Russell (Dublin City Exiles), Colton Roche (Featherstone Rovers), Conor Mackey, Alan McMahon (Galway Tribesmen), Luke Ambler (Halifax), Scott Grix, Gene Ormsby, Oliver Roberts (Huddersfield Giants), Matthew Cahoon, Jordan Hyltan (Ireland Students), Bob Beswick, Greg McNally (Leigh Centurions), Casey Dunne, Wayne Kerr (Longhorns RL), Will Hope, Michael Ward (Oldham Roughyeds), James Hasson (Parramatta Eels), Adam Docherty (Portadown Pumas), Danny Bridge (Redcliffe Dolphins), Gareth O’Brien (Salford Red Devils), Shannon McDonnell (St Helens), Stuart Littler (Swinton Lions), Liam Finn (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), George King, Toby King, Joe Philbin (Warrington Wolves), Dave Allen (Whitehaven), Jack Higginson (Wigan Warriors)

[Scubby]

Wales have added Mike Nicholas, Billy Boston, Jonathan Davis and Mel James to the train on squad. David Watkins is having a close-season op and is unavailable.

[damp squib]

Bloody hell, does everyone in the UK have an Irish granny?

[brooza]

Spain have trimmed down to 22
 
TWO DEBUTANTS IN SPAIN 22-MAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Spain has named two debutants among their finalised 22-man squad for their forthcoming 2017 Rugby League World Cup European Pool B Qualifiers against Russia and Ireland.

Hull FC youngster Joel Laynez (19) and Leandre Torres (24) of Palau XIII Broncos are included, alongside Torres’ team mate and former French international prop Mathieu Griffi.

“As the games approach so is our excitement and the squad is looking forward to coming together and having one last push in training,” said coach Darren Fisher. “Our domestic players have been working continually hard and they are in really good shape to have earned a place in the 22, it’s not been an easy task to finalise the squad.”

Fisher added: “We have worked hard to achieve the best balance of domestic and experienced players to give us a chance of making history by qualifying but also building for the future. The challenge is huge but I am confident that they can compete at the next level.”

Several members of the squad from the domestic league have been with Spain since they started playing international rugby league only three years ago; Matt Dulley, Aitor Davila, Daniel Garcia, Ivan Ordaz, Gonzalo Morro and Luis Thorpe coming from six clubs in Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona.

Back-rower Laynez, whose participation has been part crowd-funded by Hull fans commented: “My grandad was born and raised in Spain and I know it means a lot for him to see me in a Spanish jersey. He thought he’d never see the day, it will be an honour to put on the shirt and a moment I’ll cherish forever.”

SPAIN 22-MAN SQUAD

Chris Lopez (Army Rugby League), Antonio Puerta, Daniel Moreno (Custodians Madrid), Ivan Ordaz (Irreductibles), Joel Laynez (Hull FC), Clement Laguerre (Los Gossos), Alex Doutres, Cedric Bringuier, Leandre Torres, Mathieu Griffi, Pierre Negre (Palau Xlll), Kevin Aparicio (Paris XV), Matt Dulley (Paterna Dragons), Miguel Charters-Blanco (Seaton Rangers), Gonzalo Morro (Tonneins), Aitor Davila, Juan Pablo Rango, Raul Simo (Torrent Tigres), Adria Alonso, Andrew Pilkington, Luis Thorp (Valencia Warriors), Daniel Garcia (Woolston Rovers)

[deluded pom?]

Is Griffi allowed to be chosen by Spain? The new eligibility rules are across tier 1 and tier 2 teams not two teams outside tier 1? As far as I'm aware France are not a tier 1 team.

[nadera78]

Is Griffi allowed to be chosen by Spain? The new eligibility rules are across tier 1 and tier 2 teams not two teams outside tier 1? As far as I'm aware France are not a tier 1 team.

Make it up as we go along.

[brooza]

THREE DEBUTANTS IN SERBIA 22-MAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Serbia has included three debutants in their 22-man squad for the forthcoming 2017 Rugby League World Cup European Pool A Qualifiers against Wales and Italy.

Wests Tigers’ Daniel Burke, alongside Jordan Grant and James Mirceski are included together with stalwart Ilija Radan who debuted in 2011 and played in the qualifiers for the 2013 World Cup.

Over half the squad are selected from domestic clubs with four coming from champions Dorćol, the most successful team in the competition with 13 titles, and a further quartet from current First Division leaders, Red Star.

Recently appointed head coach Ljubomir Bukvić said from Belgrade, where the squad are in camp before travelling to Wales in a week’s time: “After thorough consideration, this is currently our best squad available.

“We’ve been working for almost a whole year in drafting our heritage players for this historic chance to get to the World Cup for the first time.

“Some were part of our tour to Australia earlier this year but we also have some debutantes coming in. They will bring more experience to our core players that come from domestic clubs.”

Dalibor Vukanović again captains the side and former junior European judo champion Vladica Nikolić, who currently plays for Villeneuve in French Elite 1, is also included.

SRLF general secretary Slobodan Manak, added: “We would like to thank all of our heritage players on their efforts to represent Serbia and their backing in our quest to be a part of the rugby league elite.

“Due to differing circumstances we couldn’t count on all of them in this qualifying series but everyone approached is keen to back us.

“Both Tom and Jake Trbojević had a very hard NRL season as did Tom Opačić. Unfortunately, Nikola Čotrić’s club commitments didn’t make him available but we are excited to welcome our newcomers.

“Jordan Grant will join his older brother Chad, who debuted for Serbia in our successful warm-up international in Spain.

“We are more than satisfied with our current selection and we know that our squad will represent Serbia with pride and passion.”

SERBIA 22-MAN SQUAD:

David Andjelić (Blacktown St Patrick’s), Reece Grkinić (Cabramatta), Daniel Burke (Collegians), Jason Muranka (Dewsbury Rams), Dalibor Samardžić, Dalibor Vukanović, Stefan Nedeljković, Stevan Stevanović (Dorćol), Joshua Marjanović (Kawana Dolphins), Džavid Jašari, Vlado Kušić (Partizan), Pero Madžarević, Žarko Kovačević (Radnički Nova Pazova), Miloš Ćalić, Miloš Zogović, Vladislav Dedić, Vojislav Dedić (Red Star Belgrade), Chad Grant (St Clair Comets), Vladica Nikolić (Villeneuve XIII Leopards), James Mirceski (Western Suburbs Magpies), Jordan Grant (Wests Tigers), Ilija Radan (unaffiliated)

[brooza]

RUSSIA NAME NEW LOOK SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

All of the final 22 players named in the Russian squad for their 2017 Rugby League World Cup European Pool B Qualifiers against Ireland and Spain are from the domestic league, as sport re-roots in the nation.

Seven clubs are represented in the selection, with 10 players coming from Vereya side Nara including lynchpin half-back Aleksandr Lysokon.

Executive director of the Russian federation, Denis Korolev, commented: “This year we are very happy with the squad, there is a mixture of some new, young names and established experience. The squad began its preparations only a few weeks ago but the team spirit is already strong.

“All the players missed taking part in regular international matches so much and are doing their best every training session, there is a really friendly and supportive atmosphere. They understand the importance of the games despite the fact that the process is very tough and intensive.

Korolev, who played in the qualifiers for the previous two World Cups added: “Even though getting through is the aim, we’d like to show a new style of playing on the field, there is a desire from the squad to enjoy these games and for the players to express themselves.”

RUSSIA 22-MAN SQUAD

Viacheslav Eremin, Andrey Kuznetsov, (Dynamo), Kirill Kosharin (CSKA Moscow), Ivan Troitskii (Ivanovo White Sharks), Vadim Buryak, Leonid Kalinin, Maxim Tsinkovich (Lokomotiv Moscow), Petr Botnarash, Mikhail Burlutskii, Sergey Gaponov, Anatoly Grigorev, Sergei Konstantinov, Aleksandr Lysokon, Maksim Suchkov, Denis Tiulenev, Vladimir Vlasyuk, Nikolai Zagoskin (Nara), Anton Iunisov, Iustin Petrushka (Moscow Fili), Dmitry Bratko, Igor Chuprin, Vadim Fedchuk (Moscow Storm)

[wackojacko]

ITALY 22-MAN SQUAD

Dean Parata (Blacktown), Patrik Ziliotti (Brianza Tigers), Joel Reithmuller (Cairns Brothers), Joe Tramontana (Canterbury Bulldogs), Jayden Walker (Cronulla Sharks), Terry Campese, Josh Mantellato (Hull KR), Christophe Calegari (Lezignan Corbieres), Guiseppe Pagani (Lions Brescia), Gavin Hiscox (Mackay Cutters), Gioele Celerino (Newcastle Thunder), Kieran Quabba (North Queensland Cowboys), Ryan Ghietti, Col Wilkie, Justin Castellaro (Northern Pride), Richard Lepori (Oldham Roughyeds), Shannon Wakeman (St George-Illawarra), Chris Vitalani (South Wales Ironmen), Brenden Santi (Townsville Blackhawks), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor Wolves), Chris Centrone (Wyong Roos), Mirco Bergamasco (unattached)

 

Short on domestic talent there, I make that 4 bona fide Italians... should make the next World Cup with ease, shame for Serbia, scant reward likely for their strong development work.

[DoubleD]

They'll give Wales a good game, strong looking squad. Would expect them to be one of the 3 to qualify with Wales and Ireland

[USRLFAN]

wackojacko, on 08 Oct 2016 - 01:17 AM, said:wackojacko, on 08 Oct 2016 - 01:17 AM, said:wackojacko, on 08 Oct 2016 - 01:17 AM, said:

ITALY 22-MAN SQUAD

Dean Parata (Blacktown), Patrik Ziliotti (Brianza Tigers), Joel Reithmuller (Cairns Brothers), Joe Tramontana (Canterbury Bulldogs), Jayden Walker (Cronulla Sharks), Terry Campese, Josh Mantellato (Hull KR), Christophe Calegari (Lezignan Corbieres), Guiseppe Pagani (Lions Brescia), Gavin Hiscox (Mackay Cutters), Gioele Celerino (Newcastle Thunder), Kieran Quabba (North Queensland Cowboys), Ryan Ghietti, Col Wilkie, Justin Castellaro (Northern Pride), Richard Lepori (Oldham Roughyeds), Shannon Wakeman (St George-Illawarra), Chris Vitalani (South Wales Ironmen), Brenden Santi (Townsville Blackhawks), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor Wolves), Chris Centrone (Wyong Roos), Mirco Bergamasco (unattached)

 

Short on domestic talent there, I make that 4 bona fide Italians... should make the next World Cup with ease, shame for Serbia, scant reward likely for their strong development work.

Bergamasco is not "unattached". He is with a USA pro rugby team (union).

[Farmduck]

I'm not a big fan of overuse of heritage players but, in the Italy squad, a lot of those heritage players have played before. It makes it easier accept when these guys are prepared to turn out for the lower-profile games and not just WC. Ryan Tramonte has been turning up for Italy since 2009 and Ryan Ghietti played in the qualifiers before the last WC.

[Deranged Drunk Guy]

ITALY 22-MAN SQUAD

Dean Parata (Blacktown), Patrik Ziliotti (Brianza Tigers), Joel Reithmuller (Cairns Brothers), Joe Tramontana (Canterbury Bulldogs), Jayden Walker (Cronulla Sharks), Terry Campese, Josh Mantellato (Hull KR), Christophe Calegari (Lezignan Corbieres), Guiseppe Pagani (Lions Brescia), Gavin Hiscox (Mackay Cutters), Gioele Celerino (Newcastle Thunder), Kieran Quabba (North Queensland Cowboys), Ryan Ghietti, Col Wilkie, Justin Castellaro (Northern Pride), Richard Lepori (Oldham Roughyeds), Shannon Wakeman (St George-Illawarra), Chris Vitalani (South Wales Ironmen), Brenden Santi (Townsville Blackhawks), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor Wolves), Chris Centrone (Wyong Roos), Mirco Bergamasco (unattached)

 

Short on domestic talent there, I make that 4 bona fide Italians... should make the next World Cup with ease, shame for Serbia, scant reward likely for their strong development work.

 

 

It is a shame for Serbia but also a great opportunity to see where the level of there current squad, i believe this is just another stepping stone for Serbia and the real target is the World Cup in 2021. 

 

 

This doesn't mean that they will throw the towel in this is a great opportunity for Serbian RL. 

[wackojacko]

I'm not a big fan of overuse of heritage players but, in the Italy squad, a lot of those heritage players have played before. It makes it easier accept when these guys are prepared to turn out for the lower-profile games and not just WC. Ryan Tramonte has been turning up for Italy since 2009 and Ryan Ghietti played in the qualifiers before the last WC.

 

I agree, consistently turning out makes it more palatable and if it was one nation for life rather than country-hopping then heritage players would be an easier pill to swallow. In some respects though I feel that qualification for the big tournaments should have some relevance to domestic strength, I can even see the positives of having a domestic side for the qualifiers and then bring the heritage in for the finals but the disadvantages of that are pretty clear...

[MatthewWoody]

Bloody hell, does everyone in the UK have an Irish granny?

Well that's it. 

 

What drives me mad is that fielding English heritage player goes unnoticed. 

 

Is that a language problem?

[MatthewWoody]

I agree, consistently turning out makes it more palatable and if it was one nation for life rather than country-hopping then heritage players would be an easier pill to swallow. In some respects though I feel that qualification for the big tournaments should have some relevance to domestic strength, I can even see the positives of having a domestic side for the qualifiers and then bring the heritage in for the finals but the disadvantages of that are pretty clear...

The one nation for life would weaken those National teams and I believe one of the aim of the whole RL development thing is to generate revenues through a World Cup that people would want to go to see, live or on TV. 

If the Welsh or the Italians couln't field the likes of Joseph (born in Huddersfield), Guerra etc., for they didn't want to renounce to the chance to play for the big stage one day - remember: there's a huge gap between the top 3 and the rest, and RL don't have any International club scene - those events would be less entertaining. 

Also, player welfare is an issue. 

[deluded pom?]

Also, player welfare is an issue.

As I stated in another thread does that mean we should ban the amateur clubs from the Challenge Cup in case they get drawn against a full time pro club?

[MatthewWoody]

As I stated in another thread does that mean we should ban the amateur clubs from the Challenge Cup in case they get drawn against a full time pro club?

That is something that happen rarely and not in a "top" or "International" situations. 

We can't have it as the pinnacle of our game. 

Would you prefer having a World Cup full of cricket scores and with nobody in the stands?