Wales have a promising future, insists Josh Ralph

Josh Ralph believes Wales have an exciting future ahead and he can’t wait to play in Wrexham on Sunday.

The Dragons take on Ireland at the Racecourse Stadium in Wrexham on Sunday, with the winner securing qualification for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

After making his debut against the Irish in the final group match of last year’s World Cup in Australia, Ralph has featured in both of Wales’ European Championship matches so far.

If he plays a part on Sunday, however, it will be the first time he has pulled on the red jersey in front of a home crowd.

“The game’s in Wales so it doesn’t get any bigger than that,” Ralph said.

“The winner goes straight through to the World Cup so it’s really important we put in a good performance and get the result we need.

“I’ve got my dad and pop here as they’ve both travelled over from Australia. My dad actually hasn’t been over here since he was five-years-old so it’s a really big game for me personally as well.”

Although he qualifies to play for Wales through heritage, the 21-year-old is proud to play for the Dragons and is excited by what the future holds.

“When you came into camp, you looked around and there were a lot of young blokes, even compared to the World Cup last year,” Ralph added.

“You see everybody training and I guess we’re all just hungry to play. It is the same as I am now and was in the World Cup last year.

“You’ve got to prove yourself and I think everybody else new is doing that.

“It is exciting to see what rugby league in Wales is going to be like in a few years’ time.”