Rugby League World Cup: Andy Powell not in Wales" squad

Andy Powell is absent from Wales’ 23-man squad for the forthcoming Rugby League World Cup because of injury.

The 32-year-old, a Wales international in union, crossed codes to join Super League side

Wigan from Sale

in April.

The squad 

contains 14 players from Super League, eight of whom are Welsh-born with five in contention for a Grand Final appearance on Saturday.

Wales’ World Cup group games

26 October v Italy (Cardiff)

3 November v USA (Bristol)

10 November v Cook Islands (Neath)

Iestyn Harris has picked four newcomers – Anthony Walker, Larne Patrick, Rhys Evans and James Geurtjens.

Warrington centre Evans, 20, joins twin brother Ben in the squad for the first time while St Helens prop Walker, 21, and 24-year-old Huddersfield forward Patrick are also among the Super League contingent.

Geurtjens plays his club rugby for Queensland Cup side Norths Devils.

“While I welcome our four new quality players to the squad, I’m really pleased that we’re maintaining consistency and we don’t have a whole team of newcomers,” said coach Harris.

“We have a lot of experience in the side with 14 Super League players – the most I’ve ever known in the squad – and all of our players are improving year on year as they continue their international careers.

“We can’t wait for the tournament to start and, as always, aim to cause a few shocks.”

Castleford’s Michael Channing and St George Illawarra’s Tyson Frizell join Powell in missing the tournament because of injury.

Wales begin their World Cup campaign against Italy at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on 26 October.

Wales squad:


Neil Budworth (Moranbah Miners, Australia), Ross Divorty (Halifax), Gil Dudson, Ben Flower, Rhodri Lloyd (Wigan Warriors), Jake Emmitt, Jordan James (Salford Red Devils), Ben Evans, Elliot Kear (Bradford Bulls), Rhys Evans, Rhys Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dan Fleming (Castleford Tigers), James Geurtjens (Norths Devils, Australia), Danny Jones (Keighley Cougars), Craig Kopczak, Larne Patrick (Huddersfield Giants) Peter Lupton (Workington Town), Rob Massam, Christiaan Roets (North Wales Crusaders), Matt Seamark (Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Australia), Anthony Walker (St Helens), Ian Webster (Central Queensland Capras, Australia), Lloyd White (Widnes Vikings).

Rugby League World Cup: Andy Powell not in Wales" squad