With the 2021 Rugby League World Cup being postponed until late next year, Jamaica’s Reggae Warriors are set to play two internationals next month as the Jamaica Rugby League (JRL) intends to make the extra year count.
The postponed world cup is now set to run from October 15-November 19, 2022 following the decision of reigning champions Australia and 2008 winners New Zealand not to travel to England this year due to concerns around the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, Head Coach of the Reggae Warriors told Sportsmax.TV that with the postponement, Jamaica will play games against the England Knights on October 15 before taking on Scotland on October 24. He believes that with the extra year to prepare it is essential to ensure the team maintains chemistry.
“it’s important to keep our core group of players engaged despite the postponement of the RLWC to next year. These two games will help us to see a few new players and give us the ability to view a few different combinations. It’s also a great opportunity for our fans in England to be engaged,” he said while revealing that he is hopeful of getting in a few more games as well.
“We would also like to play a game or two in the Americas so that we can have our domestic players in action, but that all depends on Covid-19 and finances. The most critical thing we want to see happen is an improvement in the Covid reality on the island and permission given for us to return to play.”
The game on October 15, will also serve as a testimonial match for Jamaican player Jordan Turner in recognition of his stellar service to the sport.
It will be the first England Knights match for two years, their last being against Jamaica back in 2019, and will provide a great test for young stars to get international experience.
“I would like to thank all my former clubs and their supporters for being a big part of my journey over the years and would love for you to come and watch a great spectacle,” Turner said.
“To the fantastic Castleford fans, I’d like to wish a huge thank you to you all for this season, the support I have felt this year has been a big part of rediscovering my love for the game. Hope to see you on the 15th. One love.”
Jermaine Coleman, a member of the Reggae Warriors coaching staff said he is eagerly anticipating the games.
“We’re super excited to have the opportunity to play two games and spend some time together as a group. It’s been a very difficult year for everyone and the light at the end of the tunnel was a World Cup. Unfortunately, that was taken away so we’re all very thankful to the work Alex Simmons, Jason Robinson and Romeo Monteith have done to provide us with the opportunity to play two fixtures.”