The Netherlands will continue preparations for the upcoming International Season, ahead of next years Rugby League World Cup qualifiers. New Head Coach Dave Hunter has named his first 35-man Training Squad, along with confirmation of the backroom staff.

Assisting Hunter in his first season, is Paul Pettit, who comes in with a wealth of Rugby League knowledge having had previous stints in Hull & London, aswell as already having assisted the Zwolle Wolves in the 2022 season.

Eighteen of 2021 squad, who won the European Championship are named in the training squad along with twelve uncapped players, included for the first time.

Dave Hunter commented on the selection; “We’re excited to be able to name our train on squad for the upcoming international season. Over the opening few rounds of the domestic comp, we’ve seen some good performances. There have been some promising young players who’ve stood out and I’ll be looking to them to apply pressure on the incumbents. We’ll be having a 2 day camp the week after the GF not only to form combinations and put
structures in place, but also to give the playing group a chance to get to know Paul and myself. Although this train on squad has been selected, we’re definitely still open to having the best players available, so the opportunity is still there for them to force their way in with good performances in the remaining rounds of the domestic comp.”

Netherlands Training Squad;
James Adams, William Johnston, Bram Tjalma (Amsterdam Cobras), Adam Braksator, Paul Dirkzwager, Sander Doria, Romeo Goldman, Lucas Gout, Frank Longhurst, Maurits Thomson, Bonne Wilce, Hamish Wragg (Den Haag Knights), Daniel de Ruiter, Santino Landus, Arie-Tjerk Razoux Schultz, Trevor Rode, Ruben Stuifzand, Mark van den Broek (Harderwijk Dolphins), Auke Idzerda, Shadan Lavia, Edson Neves, Isaac Ngirubiu, Dominic Stuivenberg, Soren van der Linden (Rotterdam Pitbulls), Damon Koolstra (Southern Suburbs Mackay Sharks), Niels Frelink, Mauricio Gomez Pazos, Kees Kuijpers, Paul Kuijpers, Toine Obiang Nguema, Mike Prins, Laury Renac, Joran Schoenmaker, Max Smits, Benji van Bodegraven (Zwolle Wolves)

Netherlands Staff Members;
Head Coach – Dave Hunter
Assistant Coach – Paul Pettit
Trainer – Adam Bakker
Trainer – Hannes Bavius
Physio – Guus Kootstra
Physio – Stephanie van Diepen
Team Manager – Matthew Rigby

Tickets are now on sale for the upcoming home fixtures against Sweden in Zaandam, and the 10th Griffin Cup at Voorschoten. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for Family, Supporters, Companies & Organisations to support the Lions in 2022!

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