Noble calls up Diskin to expand Tri-Nations options

The Leeds hooker Matt Diskin will make his Great Britain debut against New Zealand tomorrow and could be joined by two other new caps.

His team-mate Danny Ward and St Helens' Mickey Higham have also been included in the 19-man squad for the Tri-Nations match at Hull, as Brian Noble juggles his resources with a place in the final assured.

The starting line-up will be announced tomorrow, but Noble said Diskin would be named.

"I said that I wouldn't give away Great Britain shirts lightly, but he has earned the shirt," Noble said. "He's disappointed not to have played so far, but I've been very impressed by his attitude and enthusiasm."

Diskin replaces Terry Newton, who has a slight shoulder injury. Also out is Ryan Bailey, nursing a minor back problem, while Jamie Peacock and Paul Sculthorpe will be rested. "They both wanted to play, but I've done what I think is for the good of the team," Noble said.

Others in line to play after missing last weekend's victory over Australia are Iestyn Harris, Chev Walker and Stephen Wild.

Australia will give first caps to Matt Bowen and Matt Cooper against France in Toulouse on Sunday. The captain, Darren Lockyer, will start at stand-off to prove his fitness for the final.

The Australian forward, Mark O'Meley, has been found guilty of striking in the game against Great Britain, but has not been suspended.

The Australian judiciary has ruled that Danny Williams, suspended for 18 weeks for a punch, cannot work off his ban in France in order to join London for the start of next season.

Widnes have signed Mark Smith from Wigan, while Leigh's Dave McConnell has joined Rochdale.

Castleford have re-signed the Australian forward Steve Crouch, but Warrington have cancelled John Wilshere's contract because of a knee injury.