Anderson announces 30-man Exiles squad

Correspondent 16 Apr 2012 10:12 AM

Daniel Anderson has announced his 30-man Exiles provisional squad to take on England in this year’s International Origin series.

Six Catalan Dragons players dominate the list of 30 with Clint Greenshields, Darryl Millard, Lopini Paea, Louis Anderson, Scott Dureau and Setaimata Sa all making the squad.

Super League table toppers Huddersfield are represented in the squad by David Fa’aologo, Jason Chan, and Luke O’Donnell.

Only nine of the 30 Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Island players played in last year’s Exiles match. This means Daniel Anderson and his back room staff, which contains Shaun McRae, former Bradford Bulls and New Zealand star Robbie Hunter-Paul and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats assistant boss Glenn Morrison, will have their work cut out in order to prepare the players and keep hold of their title.

Warrington fullback Brett Hodgson has already been confirmed as captain, and insists his side will provide England with a strong challenge as they prepare of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

He said: “This initial squad is so strong and has so much experience that I think the series will be a great spectacle”.

“We want to use these games to build on last year’s victory and really develop the Exiles concept. There’s no question that this talented group of players can drive that forward and will give England two really tough games.”

The squad of 30 has 244 international caps between them, and have played in 29 State of Origin matches.

Exiles Provisional Squad 2012

Anthony Laffranchi (St Helens)

Antonio Kaufusi (London Broncos)

Brett Delaney (Leeds Rhinos)

Brett Finch (Wigan Warriors)

Brett Hodgson (Warrington Wolves) (c)

Clint Greenshields (Catalan Dragons)

Darryl Millard (Catalan Dragons)

David Fa’aologo (Huddersfield Giants)

Francis Meli (St Helens)

George Carmont (Wigan Warriors)