Paul Berry has selected five uncapped players in his 19-man squad for Wales’ upcoming double header against Ireland.
Leeds-born Denive Balmforth, currently with Hull FC, has already made 39 Super League appearances and is the most experienced of the uncapped contingent.
Salford’s Charlie Glover and Halifax’s Owen Restall – who both featured in an exhibition match against Cumbria in 2023 – are included along with Wigan’s Sam Dickenson and Hunslet’s Lloyd McEwan-Peters.
Rhodri Lloyd of Widnes Vikings, who became Wales’ youngest ever senior men’s team player in 2010 at the age of 17, will bring an end to his career following the pair of fixtures against the Irish.
“This autumn is the start of putting ourselves in the best position we can to qualify for the World Cup in 2030,” said Berry,who succeeded John Kear as boss of the senior men’s team in July.
“It’s an opportunity for some young players to start their own stories as senior internationals and I’m excited to see how they rise to the challenge.
“There are also a number of players in the squad who have played in World Cups and European Championships, and will share that experience with the younger players as we work towards that shared goal of 2030.
“Two games against Ireland is exactly the sort of challenge we need at this early stage, and we can’t wait to start this new era in front of our own supporters at The Gnoll.”
Wales take on the men in green at The Gnoll in Neath on Saturday, 25 October (15:00 BST) before facing the same opposition at Post Office Road, Featherstone a week later (15:00 BST).
Denive Balmforth (Hull FC), Sam Bowring (Midlands Hurricanes), Mike Butt (Widnes Vikings), Max Clarke (Workington Town), Connor Davies (Halifax), Curtis Davies (London Broncos), Sam Dickenson (Wigan Warriors), Matty Fozard (Widnes Vikings), Charlie Glover (Salford Red Devils), Sam Grice (Caslteford Tigers), Rhodri Lloyd (Widnes Vikings), Lloyd McEwan-Peters (Hunslet), Owen Restall (Halifax Panthers), Ashton Robinson (Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs), Matt Ross (London Broncos), Luke Thomas (Warrington Wovles), Billy Walkley (Sheffield Eagles), Huw Worthington (London Broncos), Fin Yates (Salford Red Devils).
