Rugby League: Newlove in Test fitness row: Great Britain incur Bradford Northern's wrath

GREAT BRITAIN are likely today to name Paul Newlove in their team for the first John Smith's Test, despite fears that he is not going to be fit to play against Australia at Wembley on Saturday.

Newlove strained knee ligaments in the match at Warrington 11 days ago and went through a fitness test at Headingley yesterday.

The outcome was inconclusive, but the Great Britain coach, Ellery Hanley, will give him as long as possible to prove his readiness. The policy when the side are named today is likely to consist of naming Newlove at centre.

His Bradford Northern chairman, Chris Caisley, is adamant that Newlove should not play. 'Paul cannot possibly be fit with the type of injury he has,' he said. 'He can't play for Great Britain. We pay his wages and if he does play he risks doing a lot more damage.'

There are several things Hanley could do. He could move Jonathan Davies to centre and bring Alan Tait in at full-back. He could - although it is very unlikely that he will - shunt Daryl Powell to centre and recall Garry Schofield. But, if a specialist centre is called for, recent performances have given St Helens' Paul Loughlin a chance of returning for his first Test in almost two and a half years.

Lee Jackson, the one specialist hooker in Hanley's squad, has been passed fit despite fears that he had broken a bone in his wrist playing for Sheffield at Leeds on Sunday.

Australia have had Michael Hancock's dislocated shoulder confirmed, but he is not to be sent home. Steve Renouf, Steve Walters, Bradley Clyde and Brett Mullins will all be fit for Wembley.