Wales overhaul backline and name Sian Williams for World Cup debut

Wales coach Tom Brindle has changed four members of his matchday squad following the team's opening defeat at the Women's Rugby League World Cup, with Sian Williams selected for her debut. The revised team was announced on Tuesday for the Group A fixture against Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Friday, 23 October.

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According to BBC Sport, Williams comes in on the wing while Zoe Heeley switches from centre to the opposite flank. Jade Mullen, captain of the Army rugby union team, takes a centre position for her first appearance at this tournament. Amberley Ruck replaces Ffion Lewis at stand-off, alongside retained half-back Tayla Preston.

Huddersfield Giants prop Gracie Hobbs is the fourth player brought into the matchday 17. She joins Carys Marsh, Kathryn Salter and Erin Williams among the interchanges, while Katie Carr is named as the 18th player. Lewis remains among the reserves with Lucia Davies and Frances Layton, rather than being included in the starting side.

The NRL's official selection bulletin confirms that Brindle has retained his entire starting forward pack. Captain Bethan Dainton remains in a group also featuring Agnes Wood, Jasmine Gibbons, Emily Hughes, Georgia Cussons and Paige Travis. The changes are concentrated in the backline and on the bench, with previous starting wings Dani McGifford and Layton dropping out of the 17.

Wales are competing at their first Women's Rugby League World Cup and lost 70-6 to England in Perth in their opening match, BBC Sport reported. Samoa also began with a defeat, going down 40-0 to hosts Australia. Those results leave both teams without a victory from their opening Group A appearance.

Samoa have also announced personnel and positional changes. The NRL reports that captain Evania Isa'ako replaces Taliah Fuimaono at five-eighth, Leilani Wilson moves into the second row and Tavarna Papalii starts at lock. Tyra Ekepati has been selected at centre following Sarina Masaga's tournament-ending Achilles injury against Australia, while Jetaya Faifua and Christabelle Onesemo come onto the interchange bench.