THREE new additions to a tried and trusted Great Britain squad, James Graham and Ade Gardner, the St Helens pair, and Jamie Langley, the Bradford Bulls back-row forward, were announced yesterday for the XXXX international against New Zealand in St Helens on Tuesday week.
With eight St Helens players and a quartet of their club-mates — Jason Cayless, Vinnie Anderson, Francis Meli and Willie Talau — chosen by the Kiwis, there looks to be a deliberate attempt to play up the “Saint against Saint” element.
Graham’s progress in the front row and Gardner’s finishing ability out wide have been deservedly recognised, but among several glaring omissions, Kevin Sinfield, the inspirational Leeds Rhinos captain, gives way to the workmanlike Langley and for all that they are widely seen as the most skilful stand-offs in the British game, Paul Cooke, of Hull, and Lee Briers, of Warrington Wolves, again miss out.
Brian Noble, the Britain coach, said that the door for the autumn Tri-Nations series in the southern hemisphere was ajar “for those playing well enough to earn consideration”, although his selection of Sean O’Loughlin — the one player from Noble’s club to squeeze into the 20 — smacked of a token, considering the Wigan Warriors captain’s struggles.
Of the form Hull team, only Gareth Raynor has been included after Kirk Yeaman’s omission with ruptured knee ligaments, with Richard Horne dropping off Noble’s radar and no room for Ewan Dowes and Garreth Carvell, two props who were immense in last week’s defeat of St Helens.
Advertisement
It can safely be assumed that Salford City Reds, who missed out completely and have been scathing of Noble’s selection policy, will not be taking prisoners against St Helens, four days before the international.
The match represents half a battle won by Noble for two meaningful mid-season internationals. “It’s not ideal, one match squeezed between two rounds of Super League, but it’s an important first step,” he said. “The State of Origin series gives Australia the level of intensity they can call on in Test matches. We’re working towards trying to replicate that.”
GREAT BRITAIN SQUAD: Backs: R Burrow (Leeds), A Gardner (St Helens), M Gleeson (Warrington), D McGuire (Leeds), S Long (St Helens), L Pryce (St Helens), G Raynor (Hull), K Senior (Leeds), P Wellens (St Helens). Forwards: K Cunningham (St Helens), G Ellis (Leeds), S Fielden (Bradford), L Gilmour (St Helens), J Graham (St Helens), J Langley (Bradford), A Morley (Sydney Roosters), T Newton (Bradford), S O’Loughlin (Wigan), J Peacock (Leeds), P Sculthorpe (St Helens, captain).