WALES have named a twelve-player World Cup squad which includes not one but two father-and-son pairings.
Martin and Matthew Turner are set to represent their country, as will Gareth and Sid Ramsey.
It’s the first time a father and son have represented Wales together at a World Cup and the first occasion that two such pairings have been named in one squad for any country.
Gareth Ramsey is one of three potential Wales debutants, along with John Berriman and Fionn McCabe, who turns 16 just before the tournament starts.
At the other end of the experience scale, Jodie Boyd-Ward could become the first wheelchair player to reach 50 international caps if she takes part in three matches in Australia.
Boyd-Ward currently has 18 Wales caps, having previously won seven for Ireland and 22 for England.
Wales head coach Alan Caron said: “This is a squad we can be incredibly proud of.
“We’ve players with huge international experience alongside some exciting new talent, and everyone selected has earned the right to be here.
“Having two father-and-son combinations in the squad makes this World Cup particularly special. Gareth and Sid, and Martin and Matthew, have the opportunity to share something that very few players ever get to experience: representing Wales together at a World Cup.
“For John, Fionn and Gareth, the opportunity to make their Wales debuts at a World Cup would be something very special, while our experienced players will be vital in helping them and the rest of the squad through the tournament.
“We know the standard will be extremely high, but we’re not going to Australia just to take part. We want to compete, we want to win games and, above everything, we want to make Wales proud.”
Grassroots fans, and the wider rugby league community, have responded in great style to the squad’s request for help in fulfilling their ambitions.
The clarion call went out recently for donations of just £1 to help fund the cost of Wales taking part in the World Cup.
Wales bosses announced a target of £10,000 – and have had an overwhelmingly heartwarming reaction, with £5,000 already raised.
Organisers are now confident the squad’s expenses regarding such as travel to and from airports, accommodation before departure, excess baggage for the team’s 15 wheelchairs, minibus and kit van fuel, extended medical insurance, international driving insurance, spare wheelchair parts and medical supplies will be met.
Caron said: “This is a fantastic milestone for us and everyone involved with Wales Wheelchair Rugby League. To see the campaign reach £5,000 shows just how much support there is for this team.
“But we don’t want to stop at halfway. We have another £5,000 to raise, so we’re asking everyone to keep spreading the word and help us reach that £10,000 target.
“Every pound makes a difference and every person who gets behind the squad is helping them prepare for the World Cup.”
Organisers have asked for new backers and for those who have already donated to share the campaign with friends, family and rugby league networks.
Wales squad: John Berriman (York), Jodie Boyd-Ward (Leeds Rhinos), Jonathan Gill (North Wales Crusaders), Andrew Higgins (Midlands Hurricanes), Fionn McCabe (North Wales Crusaders), Gareth Ramsey (Sheffield Eagles), Sid Ramsey (Sheffield Eagles), Lee Sargent (Midlands Hurricanes/Cardiff Blue Dragons), Martin Turner (North Wales Crusaders), Matthew Turner (Wigan Warriors/North Wales Crusaders), Mark Williams (Wigan Warriors/South Wales Jets), Stuart Williams (Edinburgh Giants/North Wales Crusaders).