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Wales’ 2013 RLWC campaign was considered a major failure by insiders.
The Welsh had qualified for their first world cup in 13 years and were joint co-hosts, which meant all their pool games were being played at home and yet they failed to win a single game in a group they were expected to top.
The Dragons aim to return to the quality that Welsh sides produced in the late 90s that led to two consecutive world cup semi-final appearances.
Wales Dragons
RLIF World Ranking: 9
Best Result: Semi Finalists (1995, 2000)
2013 Finish: 12th
2017 RLWC Odds: $1001
The Welsh have a strong history in Rugby League that dates back to 1908 when they scored a victory over Albert Baskerville’s touring All Golds side in their very first test match.
Since then, Wales has been very successful in European Cups having won the championship seven times since 1935.
Their world cup performance at home in 2013 was certainly forgettable and the following year they continued their losing string by again failing to win a single game during the 2014 European Cup.
John Kear took on the reigns with the hope he could turn the tide for Wales and see them climb back up the rugby league summit.
In 2015, just 12 months later, the Dragons went through the 2015 European Cup undefeated and claimed their seventh championship.
Kear has managed to positively impact the national team and will be hoping he can deliver a finals appearance at RLWC 2017.
Team Line Up
1. Elliot Kear
2. Rhys Williams
3. Michael Channing
4. Andrew Gay
5. Regan Grace
6. Courtney Davies
7. Matt Seamark
8. Craig Kopczak (c)
9. Steve Parry
10. Phillip Joseph
11. Rhodri Lloyd
12. Ben Morris
13. Morgan Knowles
14. Matty Fozard
15. Sam Hopkins
16. Ben Evans
17. Chester Butler
Squad Members: Josh Raplh, Dolton Grant, Christiaan Roets, Matthew Barron, Danny Ansell, Gavin Bennion, Joe Burke,
The Welsh side is made up largely of individuals plying their trade in the UK lower divisions with the squad containing a sprinkling of Super League players.
Veteran Craig Kopczak will lead the side once again and forms a formidable front row pairing with Salford teammate Phillip Joseph who will be his deputy.
The backline hasn’t experienced many big games and will rely heavily on the London Broncos pair of Elliot Kear and Rhys Williams who got their taste of world cup competition in 2013.
Key Player
The Skipper Craig Kopzcak is the player who has been exposed to a higher quality of rugby league than the rest of the squad with close to 300 games playing in Super League sides.
His experienced leadership and on-field go forward will be vital to Wales’ success in 2017.
Fixtures and Opponents
Versus PNG at OSNF Stadium, Port Moresby – Sat 28th Oct 4pm AEDT
Versus Fiji at Townsville Stadium, Townsville – Sun 5th Nov 7:30pm AEDT
Versus Ireland at Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth – Sun 12th Nov 6:30pm AEDT
Key Match
Every match in 2017 will be a significant one for Wales, they certainly don’t have an easy draw however there’s none more important than their opening game against Papua New Guinea.
The Dragons never clawed back momentum after their opening night loss to Italy at Millennium Stadium four years ago. This time they need to start well and will have to do it in one of the most incredible atmosphere’s our game has seen.
RLWC 2017 Prospects
Only the top placed team in Pool C wilquarterfinalshe quarterfinals meaning every match is vital including the intergroup game where Wales have drawn Fiji.
The Welsh would have to defy the odds to get through to the quarterfinals stage however their underdog victory at the 2015 European Cup shows they are capable of overcoming the challenges they will have to face at this World Cup.
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