Rochdale forward Gavin Bennion targets World Cup spot with Wales

Rochdale forward Gavin Bennion is motivated to train extra hard to cement a place in John Kear’s Wales squad for the World Cup later this year.

The former Warrington and Salford player returns to the Crown Oil Arena for this third stint with Rochdale on a two-year deal, and has begun pre-season under Matt Calland and his new team-mates at the facilities at Hopwood Hall College.

The 27-year-old qualifies to play for Wales through family heritage, and earned his first cap at the 2017 World Cup, featuring in the final group match against Ireland in Perth.

Bennion, who also featured at the Nines World Cup in 2019, has his sights on a spot at the upcoming tournament.

He said: “Everyone’s in contention for your nationality and where you want to play in the World Cup squads.

“Obviously me being with Wales, all I can do is have the best year I can and hope that John Kear puts me in that squad at the end of the year.

“Obviously with the World Cup being in England, it will motivate you more to get out and do those extra bits of fitness to make sure you play well and put yourself in the best position going forward to be in the squad.

“All I can do is have a good year with Rochdale and look forward to that at the end of the year.”

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