Rugby League: Forshaw's dreams come true

Mike Forshaw, who was playing second XV rugby union at Saracens a few months ago, had a double cause for celebration over his dramatically revived league career yesterday.

The Bradford Bulls' second-row was named in both Great Britain's "train on" squad for the series against Australia and in the Dream Team based on form in Super League this season. That was despite the former Wigan, Wakefield and Leeds player not arriving at Odsal until May.

"To be honest, he has done even better than I thought he would," the Bulls' coach, Matthew Elliott, said. "He arrived as a player with a good work ethic, but there were one or two aspects of his game that needed attention and he addressed them immediately.

"I'm pleased and proud for him, but there is a lot of improvement left in him yet."

Forshaw only played a handful of first-team games for Saracens. "I went because I was fed up at Leeds at the time, but I didn't particularly enjoy it at Saracens," he said. "I think you have to be brought up in the game. When I arrived at Bradford, my only objective was to hold my place in the team. I think I have benefited from playing with such good players and maturing myself as a player."

Following Bradford's Premiership defeat by Castleford on Sunday, Forshaw is joined in Great Britain's cumulative squad by five of his Bulls team- mates. Leeds also have six in the squad, including the versatile young forward Terry Newton and the winger Paul Sterling, who has been enjoying an Indian summer at the age of 33.

The London Broncos' seasoned internationals, Shaun Edwards and Martin Offiah, are included, as are five players from Salford, who had such a good first season in Super League. The Dream Team is dominated by Bradford players, with another four alongside Forshaw.

- Dave Hadfield