“We’re coming for you!” Rallying cry issued ahead of Wheelchair Celtic Cup

While most eyes will be on the Challenge Cup this weekend, over in Wrexham the Wheelchair Celtic Cup – arguably the most intense one-day wheelchair rugby league tournament in the world – will be taking place.

Holders and hosts Wales take on Ireland and Scotland in the Wheelchair Celtic Cup, and Mark Roughsedge’s Bravehearts have a point to prove.

Multiple 80-minute games of wheelchair rugby league over one day is about as tough as it gets.

Scotland Wheelchair RL are seeking to win their first Test match in several years, and Roughsedge is aiming to bridge the gap to Wales with a squad combining experience and youth.

Potential debutant Bex Parker is named in a squad that also features record cap-holder Graeme Stewart.

Following an autumn test against Wales last year, the Bravehearts have enjoyed the opportunity to come together as a new squad, including an intense training camp at RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire.

With increased competition for places, Roughsedge talks happily of a ‘changed mindset’ and his captain Mike Mellon agrees.

Mellon said: “We’ve actually got guys fighting for spots now. The competition for spots is really bringing Scotland on.’ He is under no illusions of the challenge the Celtic Cup represents.

“Wales have won the Cup five times, and he is quick to acknowledge their status as ‘one of the best teams in the world. If we can challenge them now…that stands us in good stead leading up the World Cup’.”

Veteran Jay Anderson is keen to emphasise that competition for places isn’t the whole story when it comes to an expanded squad.

Anderson added: “It’s about everybody raising everybody else game.

“When you’ve got newer players come on it helps you to think back and ask ‘have I developed some bad habits?’