In preparation for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, Americas Qualifying Tournament, the Canada Rugby League Association (CRLA) has named a strong Canada Wolverines train-on squad.

Head Coach, Benjamin Fleming’s 30-man squad is drawn from players across Australia, New Zealand and the UK, as well as 20 local players from the local domestic competitions in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario.

In what will be Canada’s second appearance in the Rugby League World Cup Qualifiers, the Wolverines will face Jamaica at the University of North Florida Stadium, Jacksonville on 13^th November, with the winners progressing to face either USA or Chile, at the same venue four days later. The victors of that match will go through to the World Cup, with the losers having the opportunity to progress through a repechage in 2019.

Among the players selected are the Toronto Wolfpack’s, Quinn Ngwati, Australian based heritage players, Rhys Jacks (Sunshine Coast Falcons) and Jordan Drew (Townsville Blackhawks), both of whom play in the Intrust Super Cup, the top level of Rugby League in Queensland, Australia and fan favourite, Louis Robinson from Betfred League 1 club, London Skolars in the UK.

Wolverine veteran, Louis Robinson, had this to say, “‘As always it is an honour to represent Canada. Having debuted almost ten years ago, it has been amazing to see the development of Rugby League in the country and the quality of players we are producing- the potential is limitless. I have played alongside some life-long friends and am extremely proud to represent them and everyone else who has contributed so much to the cause. I can’t wait to meet up with one of the tightest knit groups I have played with and we will do our absolute best to take Canada to the World Cup.”, while an enthusiastic Rhys Jacks commented “It’s always an honour to pull on the Wolverines Jersey. I can’t wait to get over to the US and into camp with the boys, a very exciting opportunity for Canada Rugby League.”

The squad also features domestic players, Joel Hulett and Wes Black who have spent this past season with the Ourimbah Wyoming Magpies in the Central Coast Division of the NSW Country Rugby League, Wolverines veterans Danny Tupou and Christian Miller, and young and coming stars in Joey Murphy and Michael Mastroianni. “Playing for Canada is an opportunity I dreamt about as a kid.” said Mastroianni. “I can’t think of a greater honour than representing Canada in the game I love. Pulling on that red jersey is the best feeling in the world.”

The Canada Rugby League Association (CRLA) has set up a Supporters Club to support the Wolverines in their quest to play in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.  For just $30, you receive newsletters, occasional goodies, special offers and discounts on events & Wolverines merchandise. To join please click on the following link; https://registration2.pointstreak.com/rfs2/pslogin.do?leagueNo=4320&season=456a

The CRLA is a not-for-profit organisation, therefore we rely heavily on sponsorship to support the game here in Canada. We have developed an exciting range of sponsorship opportunities with your business in mind. Our benefits will allow you to expand your business base through access to our membership, networking, branding promotion and invitations to special Canada Wolverines events and game days. We have various levels of sponsorship that we would like you to consider. We find that with all of our sponsors it is best to discuss tailoring a package to suit.

For more information, please email Bob Jowett, CRLA President at bob@canadarl.com.

The Wolverines Train-on squad is:

Jason Hignell, Connor Hunter, Shaun McKenzie , Rick Schouten (Abbotsford Griffins), Ash Calvert (Berowra Wallabies), Christian Miller, Jason Park  (Brantford Broncos),  Josh Kelly (Calgary Cowboys),  Jack Couzens, Kimi Vinituraga (Coastal Cougars), Brad Austen (Halswell Hornets), Louis Robinson (London Skolars), Wes Black, Joel Hulett (Ourimbah Magpies)  Cam Grace, Danny Tupou (Scarborough Centurions), Rhys Jacks (Sunshine Coast Falcons),  Eddie Bilborough, Antoine Blanc, Emil Borggren, Andrew Giguere, Michael Mastroianni (Toronto City Saints), Quinn Ngawati (Toronto Wolfpack), Jordan Drew (Townsville Blackhawks), Ruairi McGoff (Ulverston RL),  Sean McInroy (Unattached), Joey Murphy (Valley Warriors),  Scyler Dumas, Matthew Liszt, Andrew Porter (Vancouver Dragons)