Briers' fitness battle

Wales captain Lee Briers is battling to be fit for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Scotland next month.

The Warrington half-back is suffering from an ankle injury sustained at St Helens last month and is currently undergoing intensive treatment in a bid to be fit to lead Wales against Papua New Guinea in Bridgend on October 28.

A week later, the Welsh face Scotland in Glasgow, needing to overturn a seven-point deficit from the first leg to secure a place in the 10-team tournament in Australia next year.

Meanwhile, Briers’ Warrington half-back partner Chris Bridge has withdrawn from the Ireland squad for their qualifiers against Russia and Lebanon due to a knee injury.