Huddersfield Giants coach Paul Anderson has revealed influential forwards Craig Kopczak and Larne Patrick elected to put club before country at the end of the season.
Both men were wanted by Wales coach John Kear to lead their European Championship challenge against Scotland and Ireland later this month.
Prop Kopczak was Wales captain during last year’s World Cup, while second-row forward Patrick was one of his side’s most consistent performers during the global tournament.
But while Giants teammates Danny Brough and Joe Wardle have put their hands up to play for Scotland, Anderson has confirmed Kopczak and Patrick declined the invitation to be involved with the Welsh.
“After missing some of pre-season last year, Craig and Larne were both keen to play a full part this time around,” said Anderson.
“They both think they’ll benefit from doing that, and I’m certainly not going to argue with that.
“It’s obviously good to have players from your club representing their country and gaining that recognition.
“But it’s also good to get your hands on as many players as you can during pre-season, so they can play a full part.
“After the way our challenge this year faded away, we know there’s a lot of work we need to do as a group in preparation for next season.”
