Preston named in Wales squad for World Cup

Bulldogs captain and halfback Tayla Preston is set to play for Wales at Rugby League World Cup 2026 after coach Tom Brindle finalised his 23-player squad.

Preston, who has played 48 matches for the Bulldogs, Sharks and Eels, was one of two NRLW players in the Wales squad, along with rookie Cowboys winger Siân Williams.

Former Eels secondrower Paige Travis will also play for after switching her international allegiance from England for a history-making World Cup appearance with Wales.

Captained by Wigan's Bethan Dainton, the squad includes three players who turned out in the first ever game for Wales in 2021 against England - Leanne Burnell, Kathryn Salter and Emily Hughes.

Salter and Hughes are joined by London Broncos teammates Ffion Lewis and Jade Mullen after helping the club win promotion to the Women's Super League with a 36-6 defeat of Leigh.

York Valkyrie star Agnes Wood is also coming off a triumphant season after playing in Sunday's WSL grand final triumph of Wigan, who have two players in the Wales squad - Dainton and Carys Marsh.

Burnell is one of nine Cardiff Demons players in the squad.

There are six uncapped players, with Demons pair Hannah Bluck and Erin Williams earning their first call-up. Bluck could earn a Welsh cap in a fourth different sport having represented her country in football, rugby union and basketball at varying age groups.

Other uncapped players include Preston and Williams. Warrington Wolves winger Hollie Brussels will also be hoping to win a first Welsh cap in the tournament.

Wales begin their campaign against England at HBF Park in Perth on October 17, Samoa at CommBank Stadium on October 23 before finishing the group stage against Australia on November 1, also at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.