Jake Emmitt has been recalled to the Wales squad for Sunday’s 2021 Rugby League World Cup qualifying showdown with Ireland in Wrexham. (3pm)
The Toronto Wolfpack player is part of the 19-man squad named by Head Coach John Kear for the game at the Racecourse Ground.
Sunday’s game is the final match of the European Championship but also brings with it automatic qualification for the World Cup in two year’s time.
Ireland, thanks to their superior point’s difference, need a point to achieve automatic qualification whilst the defending European Champions, Wales, have to win.
Kear’s men lost their opening game to France before bouncing back to win in Scotland last weekend.
Whoever misses out will become first seeds in next year’s final World Cup European qualifier, along with Scotland; Italy, Russia, Spain and either Greece or Norway joining them.
James Olds, from West Brisbane Panthers, is set to be one of several players who will play in front of a home crowd.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to it as everything is on the line.
“I’ve been waiting to play at home and sing the national anthem in front of the home crowd since I was given the call-up.
“It’s going to be a great occasion and I know everybody is up for it.”
“I’ve played in the first two games and the thought of being able to help Wales book a place in the next World Cup is brilliant.
“It’s been the highlight of my career and probably will be for years to come.”
Head Coach Kear said: “Sunday’s a massive game for us. We’re all aware of what the rewards are.
“Regardless, you’ve got to go through the processes to earn success and we’ve been trying to emphasise that the players have got to do the ordinary aspects very well.”
“We’ll be in and amongst it but I’m fully aware of how good Ireland are. There are four lads who I’ve coached a great deal and they’re very good players. It’s a heck of a challenge, but we’ll certainly be in with a chance.”
Ireland Head Coach Stuart Littler has named an unchanged squad from the side beaten 24-10 by France in Dublin last weekend.
“We are looking forward to this Celtic challenge,” said Littler. “Wales had a fine win last week up in Scotland and look very dangerous when on the front foot.
“I’ve no doubt John will have them fully pumped up for this game but it also means a lot to our squad on our final get-together of the year.
“So far we have introduced nine new caps as we change the face of Rugby League Ireland and to secure a World Cup place early would be massive.”
WALES 19-MAN SQUAD
Dalton Grant (Bradford Bulls), Josh Ralph (Easts Tigers), Chester Butler, Connor Davies, Curtis Davies, Dan Fleming, Sion Jones (Halifax), Ben Evans, Elliot Kear, Rhys Williams (London Broncos), Elliott Jenkins (Rochdale Hornets), Gavin Bennion (Salford Red Devils), Ben Morris (St Helens), Mike Butt, Rhodri Lloyd (both Swinton Lions), Jake Emmitt (Toronto Wolfpack), James Olds (West Brisbane Panthers), Morgan Evans, Steve Parry (West Wales Raiders).
IRELAND 19-MAN SQUAD
Michael Ward (Batley Bulldogs), Gregg McNally, Ethan Ryan (Bradford Bulls), Connor Phillips (Belfast Stags), Peter Ryan (Coventry Bears), Ed O’Keefe (Galway Tribesmen), Ronan Michael (Huddersfield Giants RL), Lewis Bienek (Hull FC), Gareth Gill (Longhorns RL), Tyrone McCarthy (Salford Red Devils), James Bentley (St Helens), Will Hope (Swinton Lions), Liam Finn, Scott Grix, George King (Wakefield Trinity), Alan McMahon (Waterford Vikings), Liam Byrne, Dec O’Donnell, Jack Higginson (Wigan Warriors)
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 FIXTURES
ROUND 3 – Saturday 10 November
France v Scotland – Stade Albert Domec, Carcassone (kick off 6pm)
Sunday 11 November
Wales v Ireland – Racecourse Ground, Wrexham (kick off 3pm)
