Wales Rugby League’s national development manager Idris Evans hopes that the players in the senior squad who came through the domestic leagues, and are about to take part in the 2017 World Cup European qualifiers, can inspire future generations. Many of them have progressed through the community game and gone on to play at the highest level in both hemispheres.

On the back of a European Championship success last year, Wales – who face Italy and Serbia in Pool A - are determined to book their place at the World Cup, and Evans believes that participation in the global event could spur on the next crop of players who are developing across the Principality.

“We are excited when a World Cup comes around as we get to see the fruit of our community game on display yet again,” he said. “With players in the squad such as Elliot Kear, Gil Dudson, Lloyd White, Ben Flower and Dalton Grant, it shows that the community game in Wales develops first class players that can compete on an international stage when given the opportunity.

“These players will be showcasing the skills they first developed with teams such as Cardiff Demons, Newport Titans and Bridgend Blue Bulls before taking the step towards playing professionally in Super League, the Championship and beyond. I’m sure in five or six years’ time we will be seeing players who have come through the ranks of such as Torfaen Tigers, South Wales Rabbitohs and Aber Valley Wolves pulling on the shirt of Wales.”

Pictured: Gil Dudson in world cup action for Wales.