News

Head coach Neil Kelly has named his first ever Cornwall RLFC squad for the Choughs’ historic Betfred League 1 opener at North Wales Crusaders.

The Eirias Stadium round two clash, which takes place this coming Saturday, April 2 – kick-off 5.30 – will see the winning side claim the newly-formed Celtic Shield, along with two league points.

With Cornwall sitting out of the opening weekend of League 1 fixtures, the Choughs make their professional bow in Colwyn Bay against the much-fancied Crusaders.

Anthony Murray’s men were in action over the opening weekend and they came away from Rochdale Hornets with a 36-34 win. Although the final margin of victory for the Crusaders was narrow, they led from first hooter until last.

With pre-season finally coming to an end for Cornwall, Memorial Ground chief Kelly has been able to pick from a virtually full-strength squad. Fijian winger Josh Tora hasn’t been considered for selection as he is still recovering from a hamstring strain picked up in training. Luke Collins also misses out as his rugby union commitments in Holland are not over yet. 

Meanwhile, former Super League Coach of the Year Kelly has added further depth to his pack this week with the arrivals of Cornish loose forward Jamie Prisk and experienced hooker Andy Kay.

Prop Josh Hartshorne, who was part of Thornhill Trojans’ Betfred Challenge Cup run which included a narrow loss to Doncaster earlier this year, has also joined Cornwall.

Cornwall (from): Aaronson, Bolger, Chard, Collings, Gilder, Hartshorne, Johns, Kay, Lloyd, Mullally, Platt, Prisk, Purcell, Ray, Snell, Symons, Thomson, Trerise, Turton, Whitton.