WALES have called up five newcomers to their 20-man squad for their opening rugbyleague.com European Cup pool match against Serbia in Smederevo on Sunday.

Coach Iestyn Harris, who is without prop Craig Kopczak and winger Anthony Blackwood after they picked up knocks in Wales' 48-12 defeat by England on Saturday, is set to give a debut to Celtic Crusaders' Australian-born forward Chris Beasley, who qualifies through residency but missed the England game through injury.

The other new faces are Beasley's Crusaders team-mates Ross Wardle and Lewis Mills, Bridgend Blue Bulls' Christiaan Roets and London Skolars' Matt Thomas.

Harris said: "I'm a little disappointed that a few guys have got injured on the lead up to this tournament but that always happens at this part of the year after a long season.

"But I am happy with the youthfulness of the squad and the eagerness they have to learn. They will gain a lot of experience from this tournament and will continue to grow.

"We're going into unknown territory, however I do know Serbia will be physical but raw and we have to be smart.’’ Jordan James is set to make his 15th consecutive appearance for Wales, matching the achievement of Dai Young, who played in 15 consecutive games from 1991-96.

The all-time record is held by Bill Francis, who won all of his 19 caps in a row from 1975-80.

Wales (from): M Barron (Gateshead), A Bateman (Crusaders), C Beasley (Crusaders), N Budworth (Crusaders), G Davies (Crusaders), R Divorty (Featherstone), G Dudson (Crusaders), B Flower (Crusaders), R Griffiths (Warrington), J James (Crusaders), E Kear (Crusaders), L Mills (Crusaders), C Roets (Bridgend Blue Bulls), M Thomas (London Skolars), R Wardle (Crusaders), I Watson (Leigh), I Webster (Central Comets), L White (Crusaders), L Williams (Crusaders), R Williams (Warrington).