Warrington star Lee Briers has been selected to lead Wales in their World Cup qualifier.
Briers named in initial 29-man squad to face Scotland
Warrington Wolves star Lee Briers has been selected to lead Wales in their internationals against Scotland and Papua New Guinea.
However, the 29-year-old half-back's position is dependent on his recovery from an ankle injury.
Bradford Bulls stand-off Iestyn Harris returns to the provisional 29-man party after missing the World Cup qualifying defeat against Scotland meanwhile.
But coach Martin Hall has failed to convince St Helens hooker Keiron Cunningham he should come out of retirement.
There are 11 players from Celtic Crusaders in the squad, including former Hull Kingston Rovers players Aaron Summers, Ian Webster and Luke Dyer.
Papua New Guinea are the Welsh team's first opponents on 28th October before the secong leg against Scotland on 4th November.
Wales trail by seven points from the first leg and need to overturn that deficit if they are to avoid the lottery of the repechage stage.
Squad (Celtic Crusaders unless stated): Anthony Blackwood, Andy Bracek (Warrington), Lee Briers (Warrington), Phil Cushion, Geraint Davies, Hywel Davies, Gareth Dean, Luke Dyer, Grant Epton, Damien Gibson (Halifax), Dave Halley (Bradford), Iestyn Harris (Bradford), Paul Highton (Salford), Adam Hughes (Oldham), Jordan James, Matt James (Bradford), Phil Joseph (Halifax), Craig Kopczak (Bradford), Mark Lennon, David Mills (Hull KR), Chris Morley (Swinton), Sean Penkywicz (Halifax), Bryn Powell (Dewsbury), Gareth Price (Widnes), Robert Roberts (Oldham), Byron Smith (Rochdale), Aaron Summers, Ian Watson (Halifax), Ian Webster.
