Wales make changes to their 19-man squad ahead of their must win clash with Tonga
Picture by Paul Currie/SWpix.com - 14/02/2022 - Rugby League - Betfred Championship Round 3 - Leigh Centurions v Bradford Bulls - Leigh Sports Village, Leigh , England - Bradford Bulls head coach John Kear is interviewed by Premier Sport before the start of the match
John Kear has made changes to his Wales squad after their heartbreaking loss to Cook Islands in their opening game.
With Wales needing a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive, Kear will be hoping a refresh to the squad will give them they spark they need.
The task ahead of them in their second game is a big one, facing one of the tournament favourites Tonga at St Helens Totally Wicked
Tonga were made to work for their victory over Papua New Guinea and will be looking to make more of a statement against Wales.
There are four changes to the Wales 19-man-sqaud selected ahead of the meeting with Cook Islands, as John Kear freshens up his squad for a second game in five days. Kyle Evans, James Olds and Gavin Bennion come in for Mike Butt, Will Evans and Rhodri Lloyd.
Ben Evans has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with the throat injury that forced him from the field on Wednesday night. Warrington Wolves prop, Luke Thomas, has been brought in as a replacement and takes his place in the squad for Monday night. Thomas – who turned 20 on Wednesday – played four times for the Wolves in Super League this year, and earned his first international cap in the mid-season international against France in June.
The squad in full is:
- Caleb Aekins, 2. Rhys Williams, 5. Dalton Grant, 6. Elliot Kear (c), 7. Josh Ralph, 8. Anthony Walker, 9. Matty Fozard, 10. Dan Fleming, 12. Chester Butler, 14. Ollie Olds, 15. Curtis Davies, 16. Joe Burke, 17. Bailey Antrobus, 18. Connor Davies, 21. Tom Hopkins, 22. Kyle Evans, 23. James Olds, 24. Gavin Bennion, 25. Luke Thomas.