Rugby League World Cup: Wales face up to strong Italy side

Rhys Evans (C): Could make his Wales debut

Iestyn Harris: Is hoping for a winning start to the World Cup

Wales will be hoping to make a victorious return to the World Cup when they take on Italy in an inter-group match in Cardiff on Saturday.

Wales have not played in the international showpiece for 13 years having missed the last tournament in 2008.

And they will be eager to put on a show in front of their home fans at the Millennium Stadium as they take centre stage following the tournament opener between England and Australia at the same venue.

Warrington centre Rhys Evans could be given a debut after he was named in Iestyn Harris’ 19-man squad along with twin brother Ben.

A total of 13 Super League players have been selected, with Huddersfield prop Larne Patrick and St Helens forward Anthony Walker the other uncapped players to feature.

Italy, meanwhile, have picked Saints forward Anthony Laffranchi in a line-up which will not be short on quality given the fact it includes 10 players from the NRL.

Anthony Minichiello, the former Australia full-back, skippers a side that also boasts fellow NRL Grand Final winner Aiden Guerra, Wests duo James Tedesco and Brendan Santi and Penrith’s Cameron Ciraldo.

Wales squad: Budworth, Divorty, Dudson, Emmitt, B Evans, R Evans, Flower, Frizell, James, Kear, Kopzcak (capt), Lloyd, Lupton, Patrick, Seamark, Walker, Webster, White, Williams.

Italy: Minichiello (capt), Mantellato, Tedesco, Guerra, Centrone, Falcone, Ghietti, Laffranchi, Parata, Vaughan, Minichiello, Ciraldo, Riethmuller.

Interchange: (from) Gardel, Tramonte, Santi, Nasso, Maccan, Hiscox.

Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/438471/Lions-skipper-Sam-Warburton-reinstated-as-Wales-captain-for-November-Tests

Rugby League World Cup: Wales face up to strong Italy side