Western Division Rugby League will play host to the Federation of Italian Rugby League Australia (FIRLA) and take on the emerging nation’s three squads – under-14s, under-21s and first grade.

The matches will be a post-season event, with the senior game being the final hit out for FIRLA before flying to Serbia for the 2017 World Cup qualifiers.

The FIRLA first grade outfit will largely comprise Queensland Cup and New South Wales Cup players.  Ensuring tough opposition for Rams coach Darren Jackson’s senior squad as he continues a Western Division re-build, already eyeing off the 2017 Country Championships.

The Rams featured 11 Group 11 players during this season’s Country Championship campaign and Dubbo CYMS trio Jyie Chapman, Colby Pellow and Jarryn Powyer will be hoping to maintain their place in the side for the international clash.

Players for the Italian under-16s and under-21s teams will be drawn from the FIRLA development programs with links to various clubs across the Australia.

The game is also a great opportunity for Western Division to continue building its relationship with FIRLA, the Bathurst games this October come following Group 10 under 15s and 16s playing the Italians at Lithgow last October.

“The games in 2016 and last season have eventuated through the help of Joe Inzitari from Lithgow who is part of the FIRLA committee,” CRL Western Regional Area Manager Peter Clarke said.

“It will be a unique cultural experience for our Western squads, and a great opportunity to promote International pathways for players and officials with Italian heritage or a family background other than Australia leading into the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.”

Western Rams v FIRLA

Saturday October 15, at Carrington Park, Bathurst

Under 16s - 1.00pm

Under 21s - 3.20pm

First Grade - 5.00pm