The teenager could make his senior international debut.
A Hull FC Academy forward could become the second youngest ever player to play for Wales this weekend, with Charlie Thomas named in the side’s 19-man squad to take on Ireland.
Thomas is just 17 years old and made his debut for Francis Cummins’ side in the summer. And after playing for Wales’ ‘B’ team this autumn, he is now in contention to make his full international debut against the Irish Wolfhounds on Saturday.
The Hull teenager joins fellow FC player Denive Balmforth in the squad, with the hooker making his own international debut against Ireland last weekend – a game Wales won 24-0.
Making one change to his squad ahead of the second international game between the two sides at Featherstone’s Post Office Road ground, head coach Paul Berry has selected Thomas in place of retiring Wales veteran Rhodri Lloyd, who ironically holds the record for the country’s youngest ever international. Lloyd finished his own professional career on a high last weekend.
But now Thomas could get his first crack at the full international stage. He played his junior rugby league at Swansea Rams before coming into the Black and Whites system.
Speaking ahead of the game, Berry said: “We were obviously pleased with last weekend but while it’s certainly a good start, it is just a start. Saturday is another step on the road to where we want to get to. Ireland will no doubt be much improved from last week. We need to be prepared to meet that challenge as we grow and learn together.”
Elsewhere, Hull-born forward Sam Bowring is also selected in the squad. The Midlands Hurricanes player has previously played for Hull FC Reserves.
Wales Squad: Sam Grice (Castleford Tigers), Connor Davies, Owen Restall (both Halifax Panthers), Charlie Newton (Huddersfield Giants), Lloyd McEwan-Peters (Hunslet), Denive Balmforth, Charlie Thomas (both Hull FC), Curtis Davies, Huw Worthington, Matt Ross (all London Broncos), Sam Bowring (Midlands Hurricanes), Ashton Robinson (Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs), George Birch (Newcastle Thunder), Charlie Glover, Fin Yates (both Salford Red Devils), Billy Walkley (Sheffield Eagles), Matty Fozard (Widnes Vikings), Sam Dickenson (Wigan Warriors), Max Clarke (Workington Town)