photo by Ian Lovell

David Mills is looking forward to leading Wales out for the first time on Friday night when the Dragons take on England at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster (kick-off 7.30pm)

David is the son of the legendary Jim Mills who played 15 times for Wales between 1975 and 1978.

Six of those appearances were in the 1975 World Cup when Mills alongside other greats such as Clive Sullivan and David Watkins were in the Wales team who famously beat England 12-7 in Brisbane - a score that would eventually deny the English both top spot in the final World Cup group table and the trophy as a result.

“The international games are something that every player relishes at the end of the year,” he said. “This year is going to be really special though because we’ve got a fresh new squad, a new coaching set-up and the lads are all looking

forward to the challenge on Friday night.

“It’s a massive honour for me personally to be called up as captain, I’m relishing the role and looking forward to leading the boys out. I’m confident that we can do well as everyone will be putting they’re all into the game.”

Mills, who has won seven caps for his country, is one of the experienced players in the side. With over 150 Super League appearances, he is used to appearing on the big stage and admits that he, along with the other big name players in the squad, have been helping out the fledgling Welsh side, who will field at least five new caps on Friday night.

“Some of us with more experience have been helping the younger lads out this week in training,” he said. “Giving them tips when they’ve been slipping up and helping them out to perfect their game, and hopefully they’ll be taking that into the game on Friday night.

“There are a lot of Celtic Crusaders players in the squad and less being brought down from up north which can only be good. There’s a lot of frustration in the Welsh camp that we’re not in the World Cup Finals this time around but this is the start of a new era for Wales now. A good performance on Friday against England will lead us on into the future.”

article by Ian Golden
8 October 2008