Wales to face Tuivasa-Sheck

Wales be tangling with a player with a famous surname when they play Australia in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games 9s at the end of the month.

Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck, the brother of New Zealand star Roger, will be turning out in Australian green and gold at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld.

Tuivasa-Sheck is a late call-up for the Australians, whose squad has been subject to change, as some of their players have been called up to the Sydney Roosters professional ranks, as well as the New South Wales age group squads.

Although Tuivasa-Sheck, a winger like his brother, was born in Otahuhu in New Zealand, he qualifies for Australia based on his residency and the first representation rule.

He is one of six ‘Kiwis’ who will be playing for Australia in Scotland.

One of the young Welshmen facing Tuivasa-Sheck will be Harry Cartwright, who made his professional debut for the South Wales Scorpions on Saturday.

Cartwright, 19, is a North Wales native from Wrexham, was actually injured during the game against York City Knights, in what turned out to be a serious incident. He was forced to watch the latter stages of the game from the sidelines as a result.

“There were arms everywhere. One was around my neck, I couldn’t breathe and just went dizzy,” the player explained.

“I was light headed and the doctor said I couldn’t carry on with the condition I was in and I needed to be taken off. After the match and now I feel great and I can’t wait to play for Wales in Glasgow on Friday.

“Apart from that, I think my debut went really well. I felt I stepped up and demonstrated some of what I can do. The team have been so welcoming as well, it’s a great club atmosphere down at the Scorpions.”

Although all of the Welshmen at the Commonwealth Games will be from the South Wales Scorpions, Cartwright is very proud to be representing North Wales at the tournament.

“I’m really proud and feel very privileged to be North Wales’ only representative in the squad,” he added.

“It’s a good opportunity to show that rugby league players in the north are being noticed.

“I’m looking forward to all the games and I think we have a great chance at being in the Final.

“We’ve a young talented squad who make up a very close team. We know that Australia will be a big challenge as they’re a one-club team like us, all coming from Sydney Roosters. They will be a brilliant challenge and we are ready to meet it.”