CIVIL war is set to break out in Wales as East takes on West in the second annual Decor Frame Welsh Origin Rugby League Challenge tonight at the Brewery Field in Bridgend (kick-off 7.15pm).
The balance of power has generally lay in the West as Bridgend Blue Bulls led the way in Welsh rugby league.
But with Newport Titans unbeaten so far this year and the Torfaen Tigers sure to wake from their early season slumber, the East can call on considerable talent as they bid to reverse last season's pulsating 39-26 West victory.
"If it is anything like last year, it should be pretty physical," East Wales coach Wayne Williams said. "It has the makings of a corker and it is a great opportunity for players to put their hands up for the Wales versus Scotland Four Nations game on June 12.
"We have exciting new faces as well as some regulars and of course we have Damien Hudd who has played for the full Wales side. We will expect him to lead from the front and then there are Owen Jones and Gareth Jones of Newport and Cardiff who have the makings of very good players."
A total of ten of the Newport Titans squad have been selected including captain Mark Wheeler and six Torfaen Tigers are also involved.
Williams added: "Of course I would like to win the match but the most important thing is that we can get a chance to prepare for the Scotland game, which comes very early in the season.
"This match gives the lads a chance to show Kevin Weaver (Torfaen Tigers and Wales coach) what they can do.
"When you look at who are out there, it looks as though we are going to have our strongest ever Welsh amateur side."
As part of the pre-match entertainment, there will be an East against West Under-15 challenge match featuring some of the best youngsters in Welsh rugby league.
East Wales: Owen Jones, Kirk Johnson, Neil McKim, Earl Palmer, Ben Morris, Mark Wheeler, Tyrone Mahoney, John Griffiths, Craig Drew, Paul Jones (all Newport Titans), Gareth Jones, Miles Davies, Gareth Holtham, Graham Hughes (all Cardiff Demons), Damien Hudd, Jason Hill, Damien Smith, Matt Entwhistle, Steve Mailey (all Torfaen Tigers), Neil Sloan, Adrian Owen, Mukeshli Jones (all Valley Cougars).
West Wales: Neil Dixon, Lenny Woodard, Carle Ellis, Dai Owen, Gareth David, Craig Fox, Nathan Strong, Jon Purnell, Karl Hocking, Gareth James, Matthew Wareham, Lloyd O'Connor, Marcus Sainsbury (all Bridgend Blue Bulls), Richard Johnson, Mark Burke, Dennis Pugh (all Aberavon Fighting Irish), Dai Hawkins, Chris Beck (both Swansea Valley Miners)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article