Germany national team coach Dan Stocks says his nation has, “left no stone unturned in preparation for the European Shield”, which starts with two consecutive home games for the defending champions, both at Heidelberg’s Fritz-Grunebaum-Sportpark. The 27-strong squad is largely unchanged from 2011 but the detailed preparation stands it apart from any of its predecessors. “I have been out to Germany on a number of occasions to deliver coaching sessions, watch a domestic game and oversee a trial game against a strong RAF side,” said Stocks.
“A number of players have been added to the train-on squad as a result of their efforts and are keen to stake a place in the final 17-man squad to play Serbia on May 12th. In addition to our efforts, the longest serving German international, Bene Rehm, has agreed to join the coaching staff and will be leading training sessions and taking a look at a number of other players who have made themselves available for selection to ensure we have the strongest side available for next month.”
Rising Leeds Rhinos prospect Jimmy Keinhorst again joins his three brothers in the squad. Markus and Kristian both have 11 caps, making them the most experienced national team players. The quartet is joined for the first time by Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles hooker Joshua Danzey who will be flying to Germany from Queensland. Scrum half Sebastian Heilman of Baden Pirates impressed playing for the President’s XIII against the RAF in March and along with Keinhorst and another Queenslander, Damien Seibold, gives the Germans plenty of options in the halves.
“I am really excited to be taking a game of rugby league to Heidelberg,” continued Stocks. “The opportunity to showcase our great sport in front of a passionate home crowd is something myself and the players are looking forward to.”
Pictured: Thomas Isaak.
GERMANY TRAIN ON SQUAD
Christoph Huber (Bad Reihenhall), Sebastian Roczyn, Sebastian Heilmann, Lucas Marin (Baden Pirates) Angelo Hall, Jacob Handy, Thomas Isaak, Artur Schein, Max Schoengen , Sebastian Vermaat (Calbach Racoons), Ben Behr-Heyder, Liam Doughton, Fabrice Fehlemann, Max Froeshner, Kyrill Goncharov, Nico Koch, (Cologne), Mawuli Amefia, Bene Rehm (Heidelberg) Dan Stocks (Hemel Stags), Nick Keinhorst, Kristian Keinhorst (Leeds Akkies), Jimmy Keinhorst (Leeds Rhinos), Markus Keinhorst (Meraloma RUFC), Christian Gabriel (Nurnberg), Damien Seibold (Rockhampton Brothers), Andrew Hoggins (Southampton Spitfires), Joshua Danzey (Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles).
GAME 1 – 12 MAY 2012
GERMANY V SERBIA, Fritz-Grunebaum-Sportpark, Heidelberg, 1500 hrs
GAME 2 – 19 MAY 2012
GERMANY V RUSSIA, Fritz-Grunebaum-Sportpark, Heidelberg, 1500 hrs