Smith picks Leeds five to start against New Zealand
The new Great Britain coach, Tony Smith, has named five of his Super League-winning Leeds side in his starting line-up against New Zealand tomorrow, including an entire back-row.
Jamie Peacock, Gareth Ellis and Kevin Sinfield have all been named in the pack, as well as the veteran centre, Keith Senior, and the scrum-half, Rob Burrow. St Helens, have six representatives, three of them on the bench.
Wales' first-choice half-backs are available for their match against Papua New Guinea on Sunday. "Lee Briers was passed fit this week and Iestyn Harris will definitely play some part," their coach, Martin Hall, said.
Scotland are resting Danny Brough and Andrew Henderson from their side to play France this weekend, to be sure of having them fit for the World Cup qualifier against Wales a week later. Henderson's brother, Kevin, is one of six new caps.
Castleford have made two signings in Luke Dorn and Scott Moore. Dorn, who was a prolific try-scorer with the London Broncos before a less successful season with Salford, has joined on a 12-month contract. The 19-year-old Moore has played half-back and hooker for Saints in Super League and is on a one-year loan.
The hearing at which Paul Cooke will be accused of making an illegal approach to Hull KR to facilitate his transfer from Hull last season has been postponed until 14 November.
Great Britain team (v New Zealand, tomorrow, Huddersfield): Wellens (St Helens), Gardner (St Helens), M Gleeson (Warrington), Senior (Leeds), Raynor (Hull FC), Pryce (St Helens), Burrow (Leeds), Morley (Warrington), Newton (Bradford), Burgess (Bradford), Peacock (capt, Leeds), Ellis (Leeds), Sinfield (Leeds). Replacements: Fa'asavalu (St Helens), Roby (St Helens), Graham (St Helens), O'Loughlin (Wigan).
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