Canada’s men and their newly formed U19s have been in Jamaica this week preparing for a doubleheader against their hosts tomorrow, Saturday, at the University of West Indies MONA Bowl. The junior international will kick off at 1pm (local time) with the senior encounter for world ranking points following at 3pm.
The nations last met in October 2024, Canada maintaining their unbeaten home record against their counterparts and taking it to six games with a 28-6 victory at Lamport Stadium, Toronto.
Joseph Daley and Kieron Monteque from Jamaica champions St Catherine’s Thundercats in their debut season could make their debuts for the Reggae Warriors, along with and Kyronn Fairclough from Medway Dragons who won the Harry Jepson Trophy in the UK, while experienced brothers Ben and Aaron Jones-Bishop are in line to play.
Jamaica men’s coach, Roy Calvert, commented: “Playing against Canada always brings out the best in us. No doubt they will start favourite after defeating us when we last played them. We don’t need to do anything special, just trust our systems and each other. The result will take care of itself.”
The Wolverines could give as many as 12 players their representative debuts under skipper Rhys Jacks, currently with Whistler Wolves in their expanding domestic competition. He will also coach the U19s beforehand in their first-ever hit out, saying: “This is a huge step forward and a massive opportunity for some young Wolverines to start developing their rugby league careers.”
“I’d be remiss if I did not recognize the family and friends of our hosts impacted by Hurricane Melissa,” commented Canada head coach Aaron Zimmerle. “Though we will do our small part to assist while here, our Jamaican brothers and sisters need all of our support. A special thanks to Jamaica RL for making this tour happen despite the circumstances. We look forward to continuing to build our team, with many new Wolverines earning their caps.”
Jamaica (squad): Adrian Thomas, Akeem Murray, Andrew Simpson, Chevaughn Bailey, Daniel Graham, Jenson Morris, Joseph Daley, Kenneth Walker, Kevin Thomas, Marvin Thompson, Owen Linton (Duhaney Park Red Sharks), Adrian Hall, Michael Pearson, Ricardo Richards (Liguanea Dragons), Kyronn Fairclough (Medway Dragons), Aaron Jones Bishop (Milford ARLFC), Tahj-Jay Lynch (Thundercats), Kamarine Williams (West Kingston Hyenas), Ben Jones Bishop (York)
Canada (squad): Jason Chuck, Kavisha Hegoda Gamage (Brampton Beavers), Chuck Curran, Greg Wise (Brantford Broncos), Colin Crozier, Qais Nasseri (Durham Dawgs), Douglas Howard (Leichhardt Wanderers), Jacob Bourne (Point Grey Thunder), Augustus Murphy (Royal City Goons), Blake Marshall (The Southport School, Gold Coast), Dan Martyn, Kieran Reid (Toronto City Saints), Jalen Harrison, Oliver Lenahan (Valley Vipers), Darian Archer (Valley Warriors), Scyler Dumas (Vancouver Dragons), Robin Legault, Ryhs Jacks, Toby Horn (Whistler Wolves)
