WEST WALES RAIDERS ADD 2 WELSH YOUNGSTERS TO THEIR SQUAD FOR 2019

The Raiders are continuing to strengthen their training squad for 2019 and have added two welsh born players to their group for the upcoming season.

The first of the 2 is Wales under 18’s forward Dan Maiden, Dan is Bridgend born and has played rugby league from a very young age. He began whilst being involved in the national programme that was run from Maesteg comprehensive school. From there he has represented WaLes Commenwealth, under 16’s and 18’s. As well as his national developments he has played for West Wales Raiders from the beginning but has seen injuries stop him from progressing over the last two seasons.

The second signing of the evening is ex Cardiff Dragons player Ryan Shallish, Ryan has been heavily involved in rugby union including playing for the national deaf side, he has also been heavily involved for Cardiff Dragons in the WRL Premier League. Ryan was one of the trialists at this seasons open session at ystrad and impressed head coach Kim Williams enough to be invited to training, from there he has excelled in the sessions and camps and has been given a contract for the upcoming season.

Head Coach Kim Williams added

“I am very pleased to have signed both Dan and Ryan for season 2019 as I believe they will bring a level of toughness and a strong work ethic that will add balance to our forward pack. Dan has been a part of the Raiders club previously but a knee injury prevented him from playing in 2018. He looks to have returned to the squad even more determined to make his mark in season 2019. Dan’s training performance so far has been of the highest standard and I am really looking forward to seeing him rip in to the opposition once the season commences.”

“Ryan has also been very impressive during our initial pre-season training phase. He is a beast in the gym and is extremely highly motivated to make our top 17 for Round 1. Ryan was a standout performer at our open trial in October and I am encouraged by his development throughout the first 5 weeks of our training program. He is a player to watch in season 2019.”