Briers back to lead Wales

Lee Briers is back from Australia ready to lead Wales on Sunday 29th October when they face Scotland at the Brewery Field in their first Rugby League World Cup qualifying match.

Briers recently spent a fortnight down under with the Great Britain squad and played in their warm-up game against Newcastle last Friday, scoring six goals in their 40-6 win.

Now, after just missing out on a place in the Britain squad for their Tri-Nations campaign, he is determined to lead Wales to glory and World Cup qualification.

Briers said: "I knew the score before I went to Australia - that I was only able to stay with the squad if there were injuries to the regular half-backs. There were none so I got sent back.

"Training with the Great Britain squad for a week and a half was a great experience. I'm glad that I went but I'm equally as glad to be back and playing for Wales.

"We (Wales) won against Scotland in Bridgend last year and it would be nice to do the same again on Sunday. I think we've got a stronger squad this year. I don't know too much about Scottish squad as I was away when it was announced but I'm sure they'll give us a good game."

With eight tries, 14 goals and four drop-goals in 13 matches for Wales, Briers is one of Wales' leading performers. The 28-year old Warrington Wolves half-back has been one of Wales' finest assets since he first made his debut in 1998 against England at Widnes.

He has had many memorable performances in his career, but the match that stands out for Welsh fans was his performance against Australia in the 2000 World Cup where he scored a try and two drop-goals in a classic Wales first half performance to put the Dragons 20-14 up at half-time. Briers would love to face Australia again in this World Cup - one that he doesn't think will be his last.

"The Australia game was a nice experience and it would be good to face them again. As for this being my last World Cup? There's still a bit of life in these legs. Kevin Ellis was playing for Wales two years ago at 39 and I'll only be 34 when the 2012 World Cup comes along. I'm sure I can make it to that one as well."

Scotland coach Steve McCormack has been forced to make one change to his squad, with Swinton second rower Ian Sinfield taking the place of injured Widnes forward Oliver Wilkes.