Rugby League: Paul recalled to NZ squad

THE ENGLISH-BASED stand-off, Henry Paul, has been recalled to the New Zealand squad for Saturday's first Test against Great Britain at Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium, writes Dave Hadfield.

The coach, Frank Endacott, has kept faith with the side that battled bravely in the last Test against Australia on 16 October before losing 36-16. The only change is on the bench, where Paulreplaces Gene Ngamu.

Paul's younger brother, Robbie, the Bradford utility back, keeps the stand-off role and there is a second set of brothers in the squad in former Wigan pair Kevin and Tony Iro.

Kevin, who will join St Helens for next season, is in the centre, with older brother Tony one of three forwards on the bench. With former captain Matthew Ridge retired, Richard Barnett is at full-back, Daryl Halligan takes over the goalkicking and Quentin Pongia leads the side.

NEW ZEALAND (v Great Britain, Saturday): Barnett (Sydney City); Hoppe (Auckland), K Iro (St Helens), Wiki (Canberra), Halligan (Canterbury); R Paul (Bradford), Jones (Auckland); J Vagana (Auckland), Eru (Auckland), Pongia (Auckland, capt), McCracken (Parramatta), Kearney (Auckland), L Swann (Auckland). Substitutes: H Paul (Wigan/Bradford), T Iro (Adelaide), Puletua (Penrith), Cayless (Parramatta).