Townsville Blackhawk Jordan Drew and Sunshine Coast Falcon Rhys Jacks have been named in the Canadian 21-man squad for the 2018 American Championship on November 13 and November 17.
The championships will also act as qualifiers for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
The University of North Florida, Jacksonville, will host two double-header rounds on November 13 and November 17 2018, and in the opening fixtures the Wolverines take on Jamaica, the winners facing either hosts USA or Chile.
“The selection process has been very tough,” confirmed Head Coach Fleming. “Canada’s geography makes it difficult to view all players equally, and it’s a difficult vetting process to work through.
"The selectors and coaches did see some great video of domestic and provincial games which was beneficial to establish transparency and fairness.
“With the tools we had and the numerous people we spoke with, we feel we have done the best possible job to select the strongest squad,” he added.
“The team is representative of the type of depth Canada Rugby League is starting to develop and we also wanted to reward players for their firm commitment to this growing sport.
“With our first game being against a full-strength Jamaican side, we need every player common to the goal, which is winning a berth in our first ever World Cup, in England in 2021.”
Jordan Drew (pictured above) has made 15 appearances for the Townsville Blackhawks, since joining the club in 2017.
The 23 year old will be making his debut for the Canada, however he is no stranger to rep footy, with previous experience playing for NSW Residents, Queensland Under 20 and Australia Under 20 representative sides.
Rhys Jacks (pictured below) has made 17 appearances for the Sunshine Coast Falcons after joining the club at the beginning of 2018. Rhys is the older brother of Gold Coast Titans bound half Ryley Jacks.
Jacks has previously had stints with the Toronto Wolfpack in Canada and Sheffield Eagles in England. The 28 year old has previously played two games for the Wolverines, and will be looking to lock down a place in the halves as Canada look to qualify for their first ever Rugby League World Cup.
CANADA 21-MAN SQUAD : Shaun McKenzie, Rick Schouten (Abbotsford Griffins, Canada); Christian Miller, Jason Park (Brantford Broncos, Canada); Ash Calvert (Berowra Wallabies, Australia); Josh Kelly (Calgary Cowboys, Canada); Jack Couzens (Coastal Cougars, Canada); Brad Austin (Halswell Hornets, New Zealand); Louis Robinson (London Skolars, UK); Wes Black, Joel Hulett (Ourimbah Magpies, Australia); Rhys Jacks (Sunshine Coast Falcons, Australia); Eddie Bilborough, Antoine Blanc, Emil Borggren, Michael Mastroianni (Toronto City Saints, Canada); Jordan Drew (Townsville Blackhawks, Australia); Ruairi McGoff (Ulverston RL, UK); Sean McInroy (Unattached, Australia); Scyler Dumas, Andrew Porter (Vancouver Dragons, Canada).
