The Canada Rugby League Association has this week announced the launch of the newly formed Canada U19s Wolverines National Youth Team.
The team will enter the Under 19’s event at the NRL Las Vegas 9s in late February before playing in the national all-star championship (13 a side).
With Head Coach Rhys Jacks unavailable, Assistant Coach Stephen Lenahan will take on the Head Coach role, and will be supported by Steve Piatek, Wayne Davis, and Zion Afele. Bradley Lawton (Strength & Conditioning) and Paul Buchanan (Team Manager).
At the announcement earlier this week CRLA President John Cameron emphasized the importance of this milestone:
“This marks a historic moment for Rugby League in Canada. The development of youth competitions in British Columbia and Ontario has been crucial in forming our inaugural U-19 team. A strong youth program provides a feeder system for our national men’s Wolverines and strengthens domestic leagues. Competing in the NRL Vegas 9’s and the National All-Star Championship is vital, and we are grateful to the NRL for making this possible.”
He added:
“We are committed to building youth competitions, creating pathways, and expanding Rugby League in Canada. The launch of our first National U-19 team reflects the dedication of our volunteers, including Head Coach Rhys Jacks, Assistant Coaches Stephen Lenahan, Wayne Davis, and Zion Afele, and Brandon Bloomfield and Blake Stewart in British Columbia. Thanks also to Assistant Coach Steve Piatek, Robin Legault, Chris Bond in Ontario, and Canada Wolverines Head Coach Aaron Zimmerle for their guidance and support.”
The inaugural Canada U19s Wolverine squad of 30 players, comprises of 20 players from British Columbia and 10 from Ontario.
Canada U19s Wolverines Squad:
Michael Allen (ON), Robert Allen (ON), Jaxon Birza (BC), Noah Bolton (BC), Otis Chan (BC), Ethan Chantler (ON), Andrew Cooper (BC), Carter Cote (ON), Brett Gillespie (BC), Kalem Gough (ON), Davis Heppell (BC), Royce Holm (BC), Louis-André Horry (BC), Wyatt Klasen (BC), Markus Kuchka (BC), Colin Lambert (BC), Oliver Lenahan (BC), William Lloyd (ON), Nic Martino (BC), Alex Mew (ON), Blake Pollock (ON), Mahbod Rafiee (BC), Knight Ronning (BC), Julian Ryan (BC), Cameron Seed (BC), Josh Seo (BC), Jack Smart (ON), Miguel Smith (ON), Riley Vandenbosch (BC), William Vann (BC)
