Pryce is right for the Knights squad
GIANTS YOUNGSTER CALLED UP TO FACE JAMAICA SIDE
WILL Pryce, son of former Great Britain stand-off Leon Pryce, has been named in a 20-man England Knights squad for Friday’s international against Jamaica at Castleford.
Pryce, who burst onto the Super League scene with Huddersfield this season, scoring six tries in the Giants’ last 13 matches of the season, is one of five teenagers named by coach Paul Anderson, who is placing the emphasis on youth with a eye on the 2025 World Cup.
Giants team-mates Matty English and Ollie Wilson are also included.
The squad includes 17-yearold Leeds centre Levi Edwards and 20-year-old former Croydon Hurricanes forward Kai Pearce-Paul, who made a big impact with Wigan in 2021.
St Helens’ Grand Final winners Lewis Dodd and Matty Lees will undertake fitness checks before joining the squad later in the week.
Anderson said: “Through the
Knights programme we’re investing in the future of England Rugby League and, although we’ve had a few injuries and promotions to the senior set-up, it’s created opportunities for others to come in and show what they can do. I’m really excited about working with this group of players and helping them realise their potential.
“For some of these players the chance to represent the senior side may come at next year’s World Cup, for others it might be 2025.”
Meanwhile, Leigh Centurions are in the box seat to sign former Giants player Joe Wardle.
The Examiner understands the Leythers are in discussions with the back-rower, who is a free agent after leaving the Claret and Gold at the end of the season.
Fellow Championship outfit Bradford Bulls have also shown interest in the 30-year-old, with Wardle starting his career with the West Yorkshire club before moving to the Giants.
However, it’s a move to Leigh Sports Village that appears the more likely, with the lure of full-time rugby likely to entice Wardle to the club.
The Centurions are looking to build a squad for their return to the Championship, with Chris Chester in charge of the recruitment process after being appointed as head of rugby.
The identity of the next head coach has yet to be revealed but the club is working on a number of deals for the new campaign, with Wardle among their targets as they look to rebuild a squad largely depleted following departures at the end of the season.
The likes of Ryan Brierley, Matty Russell, Iain Thornley, Blake Wallace, Ben Flower, Liam Hood, James Bell, Matty Wildie, Matty Gee, Jamie Ellis, Nathan Mason and Tyrone McCarthy are all set to depart, leaving considerable recruitment to be done ahead of the new campaign.
Wardle would bring both considerable experience and quality having won the League Leaders’ Shield with the Giants in 2013 while playing in the NRL for Newcastle Knights.
Wardle has made 166 Super League appearances, scoring 66 tries.