Netherlands 26-man Squad Announced

The Netherlands will continue preparations for the upcoming International Season, despite the disappointing cancellation of the Rugby League World Cup Qualifiers. Head Coach Dave Hunter has named his 26-man Squad, along with confirmation of the backroom staff.

Adam Bakker, Paul Pettit, Guus Kootstra have resigned from their roles, the NRLB would like to thank them for their time and dedication of recent years.

Assisting Hunter in their first seasons, are two former Dutch captains, Paul Dirkzwager & Ben Dommershuijsen who come in with a wealth of Rugby League knowledge having played for the Lions over the past decade, along with Hannes Bavius to complete the four-man coaching team.

Jack Worster, a graduate from our Educational Partners British School In the Netherlands – Voorschoten, joins the team to assist Stephanie van Diepen as part of the medical team.

Thirteen of the 2022 squad are named in the squad aswell as twelve uncapped players, included for the first time.

Dave Hunter commented on the selection; “This year will see us play five matches, which is the most we’ve ever played in a year, and with that in mind we’ve named a 26 man squad. Competition for spots was intense and unfortunately some very good players have missed out but I’m confident we’ve got the squad to be competitive in all five matches.”

“Our domestic competition always provides new talent and everyone is looking forward to see how our young boys go. Lars Mudde, Rowan Schuiling and Maas van der Reek are 3 in particular who’ve really stood out. They’ll inject youth and enthusiasm into the squad.”

“Unfortunately Paul Pettit and Adam Bakker have left the coaching set up and we thank them for last years efforts, but we’re very fortunate to have 2 ex-Dutch captains join the group. Ben Dommershuijsen and Paul Dirkzwager have been Dutch Rugby League stalwarts and with a relatively new playing group, they’ll ensure the culture within the squad remains strong”.

“Trainings will commence after the summer break, but we are raring to go and can’t wait to play in front of our Home Wall of Oranje!”

Netherlands Training Squad;
James Adams, William Johnston, Lars Mudde (Amsterdam Cobras), Lucas Thomson (Cessnock Goannas), Tom van der Bokhoven (Cromer Kingfishers), Frank Longhurst, Kwinton Roeleveld, Maas van der Reek, Bonne Wilce, Hamish Wragg (Den Haag Knights), Harry Mulligan (The Entrance Tigers), Daniel de Ruiter (Harderwijk Dolphins), Mitch Donnelly (Narrabeen Sharks), Maik Brouwer, Shadan Lavia, Isaac Ngirubiu, Tom Turnock, Soren van der Linden (Rotterdam Pitbulls), Damon Koolstra, Joran Schoenmaker (Souths Mackay Sharks), Mauricio Gomez Pazos, Kees Kuijpers, Paul Kuijpers, Mike Prins, Laury Renac, Rowan Schuiling (Zwolle Wolves)

Netherlands Staff Members;
Head Coach – Dave Hunter
Assistant Coach – Paul Dirkzwager
Assistant Coach – Ben Dommershuijsen
Assistant Coach – Hannes Bavius
Physio – Stephanie van Diepen
Physio – Jack Worster
Team Manager – Matthew Rigby

Tickets are now on sale for the upcoming home fixtures against Norway at Sassenheim, Albania at Zaandijk and Serbia at Zwolle. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for Family, Supporters, Companies & Organisations to support the Lions in 2023!

Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities available here – https://rugbyleague.nl/tickets/