In preparation for the upcoming international against the USA Hawks on Friday, March 1 in Las Vegas, the Canada Rugby League Association (CRLA) has named an 18-man, Canada Wolverines squad.
Head Coach, Aaron Zimmerle’s squad, which is drawn from the local domestic competitions in British Columbia and Ontario, features 10 players from the Wolverines 22 to 10 win over the Hawks in Tampa in 2022. The squad also includes 5 players who will be making their Wolverines debut.
The match is part of the National Rugby League (NRL)’s ‘Rugby League in Vegas’ event that will feature a historic, 2024 season opening NRL double-header at Allegiant Stadium the home of the Las Vegas Raiders on March 2.
“We are very excited about being part of such an historic event, particularly when it allows us to continue our great rivalry with the USA Hawks. We have selected a strong squad, with the players earning their spot through their club form and their performances in the East vs West game during our first ever Wolverines training camp last July in Vancouver.”
“With world ranking points on offer, coupled with the Hawks recent win over Jamaica and our last win over the USA in Florida, the game presents us with a great opportunity to improve our ranking while refining our style of play,” Zimmerle said.
“We look forward to showcasing our program and our players while helping to develop and grow Rugby League in Canada and the USA.”
The Wolverines squad is:
Charles Curran, Jason Park, Kyle Yurkiw (Brantford Broncos), Kimi Vinituraga (Vancouver Valley Vipers), Niko Andrionas, Jacob Bourne, Dillon Hamilton, Ben Stothers (Point Grey Thunder), David Astley, Jason Chuck, Lee Keegel, Daniel Martyn (Toronto City Saints), Scyler Dumas (Vancouver Dragons), Colton Carpenter, Luke Toroca (Valley Warriors), Blake Mahovic, Josh Michalik, Gus Murphy (Whistler Wolves)
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