Craig Kopczak named Wales captain for World Cup double-header
Friday 7 October 2016 12:41, UK
Salford forward Craig Kopczak has been re-appointed as Wales captain for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Italy later this month.
The former Bradford and Huddersfield prop led the Dragons to victory in the 2015 European Championship and coach John Kear has largely kept faith with that group of players after whittling his original train-on squad down from 29 to 22.
Wales are boosted by the inclusion of Widnes duo Gil Dudson and Lloyd White, who missed last year's tournament through injury, but they will be without Grand Finalists Rhys Evans (Warrington) and Ben Flower (Wigan), who both made themselves unavailable.
Kear, whose players went into camp in north Wales on Wednesday, said: "I'm really pleased with the look of our squad as we aim to build on last year's European Championship success.
"The addition of the likes of Gil Dudson and Lloyd White will add further experience to the squad and only make us stronger as a unit. It will also help some of the younger players in the squad.
"It is an important period for Wales as we aim to make the World Cup next season. We will be up against some challenges as Italy and Serbia are both strong sides who will boast some experienced players in their line-ups."
Wales play Serbia in Llanelli on Saturday week and also have a friendly against Jamaica at Wakefield on October 21 before meeting Italy in Monza on October 29.
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Wales squad:
E Kear (London Broncos), R Williams (London Broncos), C Wellington (St Helens), C Roets (South Wales), R Grace (St Helens), C Davies (South Wales), O Olds (Souths Logan Magpies), G Dudson (Widnes), L White (Widnes), C Kopczak (Salford, capt), R Lloyd (Swinton), L Reece (Gloucestershire All Golds), P Joseph (Salford), S Parry (Gloucestershire All Golds), J Burke (Oldham), J Emmitt (Swinton), A Walker (Wakefield), A Gay (Mackay Cutters), M Fozard (Sheffield Eagles), M Evans (Gloucestershire All Golds), I Newbury (South Wales), C Farrer (South Wales)
