Andy Powell left out of Wales Rugby League squad for World Cup

Former British and Irish Lions forward Andy Powell has been left out of Wales’ squad for the forthcoming World Cup.

The 32-year-old ex-Cardiff, Wasps and Sale number eight has made five Super League appearances for Wigan since switching codes in June but has been ruled out of the tournament by his club because of injury.

Wales are also denied the services of Castleford’s former London Broncos centre Michael Channing and Sydney Roosters forward Tyson Frizell but Warrington centre Rhys Evans is set to make his debut after switching his allegiance from England.

The 20-year-old Bridgend-born Evans, a Welsh junior international, links up with his twin brother Ben and is one of 14 Super League players in Iestyn Harris’ 23-man squad, eight of whom are Welsh-born and have come through the WRL development system.

The other uncapped players are forwards Anthony Walker (St Helens) and Larne Patrick (Huddersfield), who qualifies through a Welsh grandmother, and James Geurtjens, from Queensland Cup side Norths Devils, while at the other end of the scale, Salford’s Jordan James needs to play four matches to overtake Ian Watson as Wales’ most capped player.

Wales’ opening game against Italy at the Millennium Stadium on October 26 comes on the 10th anniversary of James’ debut when he scored a try in a 74-4 win over Russia in Aberavon.

This is Wales’ fourth World Cup and they know it will be their toughest yet.

“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 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 career.

“We have an enthusiastic 23-man squad, all of whom are raring to go for their country. We can’t wait for the tournament to start and, as always, aim to cause a few shocks.”

Wales, who have Andy Bracek (Halifax), Joe Burke (South Wales) and Craig Moss (Keighley) on stand-by, will play a warm-up match against a Welsh Rugby League Select XIII on Tuesday, October 15 at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay.

Wales squad:

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

Article source: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/rugby-league-sydney-roosters-storm-13th-nrl-title-123711519--spt.html

Andy Powell left out of Wales Rugby League squad for World Cup