Ellis O’Grady is aiming to make his Wales Rugby League debut next month, despite having only taken up the sport earlier this year.
The former Barry youth full back, who followed head coach John Dimond to Sully Sports, was persuaded to attend a league trial by coach Sam Bowditch - who has also switched from Barry to Sully - and who won his first League cap playing for Wales against England two years ago.
“Sam took me to the trial, and I thought I’ll have a go at it, perhaps get a cap for my country, something I’ve always wanted,” said O’Grady. “I went and had a go, and really got into.”
O’Grady, who will be 19 at the end of this month, has found switching codes fairly comfortable. “There’s not much difference. But rugby league is faster, and there are no rucks, so everyone has to keep working.”
O’Grady, who also plays full back in league, has been attending Wales’ training sessions, and goes into camp in Neath at the weekend as the international squad prepare for the two matches being played at The Gnoll on Saturday 25th October.
Wales take on Ireland in a full international (3pm), with a Wales A team in action against the UK Armed Forces in the morning (11.30am). Wales have a second match with Ireland in Featherstone on Saturday 1st November.
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Switching codes, O'Grady was part of a new look Sully Sports squad, which began their Division Six campaign in the Admiral League with a statement 57-3 victory at home to Whitchurch.
The South Road club play their first away game of the season at Rumney Athletic next Saturday.
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