Community Lions U18s head coach Kelvin Lockett is pleased with his sides preparations ahead of the clash with the Australian Institute of Sport on Wednesday 7 December, at Heworth ARLFC, kick off 7.30pm.
His 20-man squad – which was named last week – will hold a final training session this Saturday ahead of the huge test against the high-regarded tourists.
“We’ve had some really good sessions already and I’m really pleased with how they’ve gone,” said Lockett.
“Alan Davidson (Scotland), Colin Phillips (North West) and Chris Baxter (London) have all helped me out and their input has been really useful.
“We’ve really focussed on our defence as we know that we’re going to be tested by a strong AIS side.
“I’m pleased with how our attack has been functioning but I’m hoping that spending more time working on our defensive patterns will stand us in good stead.
“I think we’ve got a lot of athleticism in our side and I’m really looking forward to the game.”
There could be plenty of local interest as Heworth’s Tyler Craig is in with a chance of selection, whilst fellow Yorkshire man Matty Welham (Myton Warriors) could also make the 17.
The last time the AIS faced Community Lions opposition was in 2009 when they overcame England 48-20 at Widnes, and they have travelled over to the UK almost every year since 2003.
SQUAD
Sam Forester (Maryport)
Leon Tatlock (Thatto Heath Crusaders)
Ben Garner (Barrow Island)
Scott Pink (Wath Brow Hornets)
Tom Whittle (Wigan St Judes)
Matty Cooke (Pilkington Recs)
Marcus O'Brien (Millom)
Chris Tomlinson (Glasson Rangers)
Leon Crellin (Egremont Rangers)
Perry Singleton (Barrow Island)
Daniel Rowell (Kells)
Karl Dixon (Wath Brow Hornets)
Ian Curnow (Wath Brow Hornets)
Ethan Kelly (Millom)
Matty Welham (Myton)
Adam Jefferson (Bradford Dudley Hill)
Jack Jones (Thatto Heath Crusaders)
Jack Green (Latchford Albion)
Nathan Skupski (Thatto Heath Crusaders)
Tyler Craig (Heworth)
RL Community Lions U18s v AIS
Wednesday 7 December
Heworth ARLFC, York
Kick Off 7.30pm
Admission £2.50 Concessions Free
