Barrow Raiders forwards Tom Hopkins and Ben Evans have been named in Wales’ 24-man squad ahead of the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
The pair both featured in the Dragons’ mid-season international test against France in Albi, with Hopkins making his national team debut.
Hopkins made 19 appearances for the Raiders last season, scoring two tries.
He helped the club to a fourth-placed finish on their return to the Betfred Championship, and started their elimination play-off clash with Batley Bulldogs last month.
“Obviously I’m over the moon,” he said. “It’s the highest of privileges playing on the world stage so for me to finally be selected to be part of that group men is a massive achievement for myself ,and I just can’t wait to go into camp and try to enjoy every experience the World Cup throws my way.
“I’ll be honest – I’ve never thought about playing at World Cup level before, but It’s all I’ve thought about since receiving my first cap back in June against France.
“So to hear I’m in, my mind can now focus on being as best prepared for the test matches ahead of us.”
Meanwhile, former Bradford Bulls forward Evans, who has joined the Raiders on a two-year deal from the start of the 2023 season, has also been selected by his national team.
He could feature alongside twin brother Rhys, who was also named in John Kear’s squad.
“I’m extremely honoured to be picked to play for my country again,” Evans said. “This year marks 10 years playing for Wales, and there’s no better way than to do it playing in a World Cup!
“I’m looking forward to seeing the boys and ripping in.”
Wales have been drawn in Group D alongside Tonga, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands.
They begin their World Cup campaign against the Cook Islands on Wednesday 19 October at Leigh Sports Village.
Hopkins and Evans become the latest Raiders to be selected for World Cup duty, with Anton Iaria named in Italy’s squad, and Charlie Emslie and Shane Toal called up by Scotland.
24-man Wales squad: Caleb Aekins, Luis Roberts (both Leigh Centurions); Bailey Antrobus (York City Knights); Gavin Bennion (Rochdale Hornets); Joe Burke (West Wales Raiders); Chester Butler, Rhys Evans, Elliot Kear, Anthony Walker (all Bradford Bulls); Mike Butt, Rhodri Lloyd (both Swinton Lions); Connor Davies (Workington Town); Curtis Davies, Will Evans (both Whitehaven); Kyle Evans (Wakefield Trinity); Ben Evans, Tom Hopkins (both Barrow Raiders); Dan Fleming (Featherstone Rovers); Matty Fozard (Widnes Vikings); Dalton Grant (London Broncos); James Olds, Ollie Olds (both Valley Diehards); Josh Ralph (Mounties); Rhys Williams (Salford Red Devils).
Photo credit: Dave Gibson Photography
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