Thirteen of Jamaica’s designated 20-man squad for the Firehouse Subs Rugby League World Cup Qualifiers – Americas, which start in Florida next week, come from the Championship or League 1 in the UK. A trio of players travel over from Hunslet Hawks – Danny Thomas, Mo Agoro and Richie Barnett – with Batley and Keighley each providing a pair. Strong-running Bradford and former London and Hull Kingston Rovers winger Omari Caro (pictured) is the highest profile inclusion, along with Sheffield Eagles’ Corey Hanson.

“We have a good mix of players who have been there before, as well as debutants who will add spark to the team,” said JRLA Director of Rugby and head coach of the Reggae Warriors, Romeo Monteith. “We looked at each position and tried to get the best candidate based on form and commitment to the programme.”

Monteith continued: “There are some good players who missed out, but I believe that speaks of the strong pool we have to choose from. Our UK-based players will add a degree of professionalism and know-how and compliment a strong core of domestic players who have proven themselves in the local leagues and in representative games.”

Jamaica face hosts USA in Jacksonville on 4th December and must back up against Canada in Deland four days later.

JAMAICA 20-MAN SQUAD
Alex Brown, Wayne Allen Rettie, (Batley Bulldogs), Omari Caro (Bradford Bulls), Joel Farrell (Dewsbury Rams), Jermaine Pinnock, Renaldo Wade (Duhaney Park Red Sharks), Ryan Grant (GC Foster College), Hamish Barnes, Ross Peltier, (Keighley Cougars), Daniel Thomas, Mo Agoro, Richard Barnett, (Hunslet Hawks), Antonio Baker, (Mico University College), Lamont Bryan (Lescure), Joseph Brown (Newcastle), Corey Hanson, (Sheffield Eagles), Nathan Campbell, Marvin Thompson (University Of Technology), Tyronie Rowe (Vauxhall Rugby Club), Brian Hutchinson (unattached)