Date: 2/11/13
Wales head coach Iestyn Harris has named his 19 man squad to play USA at Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium on Sunday (14:00)
Jordan James wants a passionate home crowd to make as much noise as possible when Wales take on the USA in their second Rugby League World Cup Group D match at the Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium, Wrexham, on Sunday (2.00pm).
Wales were beaten by Italy on the tournament’s opening day and after the USA won their first ever World Cup game by beating the Cook Islands on Wednesday, it means that Sunday would be a good time for Wales to register their maiden RLWC2013 victory.
The USA, however, are on a run of good form, having beaten France in their RLWC2013 warm-up match in Toulouse before defeating the Cooks 32-20 in Bristol, though James hopes that the Welsh fans can lift his side to another level.
“Home support can play a massive part in the USA match,” said James. “When you are down and out and you hear people singing and cheering it really gives the players a lift.
“Nothing beats hearing thousands of people singing the Welsh national anthem and I am really looking forward to playing in front of a passionate home crowd here in Wrexham.
“It is always nice to play in Wrexham and I had some good times here with the North Wales Crusaders – the fans are very loyal and passionate and they make a lot of noise, which is great from a player’s perspective.
“I am looking forward to running out onto the Racecourse field once again and hopefully we can put on a show for them.”
James is well aware of the threat that the Tomahawks pose, especially with a sprinkling of NRL talent, like Clint Newton and captain Joseph Paulo, in their squad.
The forward, who is switching South Wales Scorpions for the University of Gloucestershire All Golds in Championship One next season, also believes that the closeness of the Wales squad could be important.
“The Tomahawks have got a few experienced NRL players in their squad and they will be big and strong,” said James.
“They are a country that excels when it comes to sport so they are going to come here fired up and looking to win. We have got to make sure that we are well prepared and match them physically.
“We have got a relatively young squad but the guys know each other pretty well. We have been together as a unit for four or five years now and we have a strong bond as a team.”
Tickets for the RLWC2013 Group D game between Wales and the USA at Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium, Wrexham, on Sunday November 3 (2.00pm) are still available from as little as £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. To purchase your ticket, visit www.rlwc2013.com/tickets or call the 24-hour Ticket Hotline on 0844 847 2013.
Wales team to take on USA
Neil Budworth
Ross Divorty
Gil Dudson
Jacob Emmitt
Ben Evans
Rhys Evans
Ben Flower
Tyson Frizzell
Jordan James
Elliott Kear
Craig Kopczak
Peter Lupton
Larne Patrick
Christiaan Roets
Matt Seamark
Anthony Walker
Ian Webster
Lloyd White
Rhys Williams
