Scarlets hooker Ryan Elias was Lake’s deputy through the autumn internationals however has missed the final three weeks due to a neck damage, together with his area hoping he could be match for mid-January.
Cardiff’s Evan Lloyd was additionally within the Wales squad in November, whereas Dragons hooker Elliot Dee made his first appearances of the season within the defeat towards Cardiff on 26 December after recovering from an ankle drawback.
One hooker who says he’s nonetheless out there for Wales is Lake’s Ospreys team-mate Sam Parry, who left the nationwide coaching squad in June in controversial circumstances.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland says he didn’t imply to “disrespect” Parry after the 33-year-old selected to depart the squad earlier than the summer time worldwide towards South Africa at Twickenham and two-Check tour of Australia.
Parry’s resolution got here after being instructed by Gatland he was a fringe member of the get together when the squad got here collectively and he was solely going to be performing cowl for Wales’ different three hookers.
Gatland claims he was being trustworthy with Parry about the place he stood within the Wales pecking order.
Parry maintains he nonetheless has worldwide ambitions.
“I am out there,” mentioned Parry. “I would like to [play for Wales] however whether or not the those that decide it see it like that, I do not actually know. However I am out there and hopefully if I carry out ok, we’ll see what occurs.
“I deal with myself and taking part in for the Ospreys. As quickly as you get caught up in pondering if I’ve obtained an opportunity right here or if I will get picked, it does not occur.”
When requested immediately what occurred in the summertime, Parry replied: “It is a type of issues. That was this summer time.
“What occurred, occurred. Folks view it in a different way. They’re entitled to their opinions. That is gone now. It’s a new season and a contemporary begin.”
