Wales announce 24-man squad for World Cup

Wales head coach John Kear has named his final 24-man squad for Rugby League World Cup 2017.

WAL

A 38-man train-on squad was announced back in July, but it has now been whittled down to 24 names for the tournament.

14 of the 17 players who featured in Wales’ victory over Italy last October to secure World Cup qualification have been included in the squad.

Despite not being named in the initial train-on squad, uncapped Chester Butler and Gavin Bennion have both been called up to the final squad.

Halifax’s Butler is the grandson of former Wales international Colin Dixon, while Bennion has recently left Rochdale Hornets to join Super League club Salford Red Devils.

The only other uncapped player is Josh Ralph, who plays in the Queensland (Intrust Super) Cup for Tweed Head Seagulls.

Ben Evans and Matty Seamark return to the frame for the first time since the last World Cup, while Super League Young Player of the Year nominees and St Helens duo Regan Grace and Morgan Knowles are included.

Ben Flower (Achilles), Jake Emmitt (elbow), Lloyd White (hamstring), Ollie Olds (ACL), Rhys Evans (shoulder), Calvin Wellington (hamstring) and Daniel Brown (ACL) have all been ruled out through injury.

Gil Dudson, Larne Patrick and Dan Fleming, meanwhile, are unavailable for the tournament.

Craig Kopczak will captain Wales during the World Cup, while Phil Joseph and Elliot Kear will assist him in vice captain roles.

Wales head coach John Kear said: “I’m really happy with the squad that I’ve got for the tournament.

“We’ve had withdrawals – some because of injury and some for personal reasons – but the lads who are going are showing a great deal of desire to represent their country.

“I’m pretty certain that they will perform at this World Cup on the biggest stage. It’s a great opportunity."

“We’ve not won a World Cup match since 2000. We didn’t qualify for the 2008 World Cup and we didn’t win in 2013.

“It’s a long time between World Cup wins, but we’re unbeaten in six matches and the main goal is to get that first win. There’s then nothing to say that we can’t get out of the group and make the quarter-finals.”

Wales Rugby League World Cup 2017 Squad