McClennan finalises Exiles squad
Exiles coach Brian McClennan has made his final three selections for the 22-man squad that will face England in the CarPlan International Origin Match at Headingley.
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats forward Glenn Morrison is included alongside St Helens prop Josh Perry. McClennan, who arrived in the UK yesterday after flying in from Auckland, has also reinstated Huddersfield Giants forward David Fa’alogo after the Kiwi returned to action last weekend against Hull FC following a long layoff through injury.
“I am delighted to have finalised my squad and I’m looking forward to getting down to business,” said McClennan. “We have assembled a formidable squad of players and despite a few injury scares, I feel confident that we have the right blend of experience and quality to really make this a fabulous match against the best players currently playing in England.
“It will be very difficult to reduce the squad down to the final 18 and it will certainly give me and Terry (Matterson) a real dilemma when we have to select the starting line up.”
The former New Zealand coach will return to Headingley Carnegie for the first time since leaving Leeds Rhinos as coach at the end of last season, is urging fans to get behind the concept for what promises to be one of the highlights of the season as the best Australians and New Zealanders playing in the Engage Super League go into battle against Steve McNamara’s England team.
“I have said all along that the RFL should be applauded for their efforts in organising this game,” added McClennan.
“Now it is important that the fans turn up in their numbers. The players can’t wait to get at each other and to have Headingley Carnegie packed to the rafters will only add to the spectacle. This is a mouthwatering prospect and to be part of it will be a thrill.”
Pre-purchased tickets for the CarPlan International Origin Match start from £19 for adults and £12 concessions and are available at www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or by contacting the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 1113. Tickets purchased on the day of the match start from £22 for adults and £15 for concessions.
Details of the Exiles 22-man squad are below:
Danny Buderus (captain) (Leeds Rhinos & Australia), Thomas Leuluai (vice captain) (Wigan Warriors & New Zealand), Louis Anderson (Warrington Wolves & New Zealand), George Carmont (Wigan Warriors & New Zealand), Rangi Chase (Castleford Tigers & New Zealand), David Fa’alogo (Huddersfield Giants & New Zealand), David Faiumu (Huddersfield Giants & New Zealand), Craig Fitzgibbon (Hull FC & Australia), Brett Hodgson (Warrington Wolves & Australia), Matt King (Warrington Wolves & Australia), Kylie Leuluai (Leeds Rhinos & New Zealand), Willie Manu (Hull FC & Tonga), Francis Meli (St Helens & New Zealand), Steve Menzies (Catalan Dragons & Australia), Michael Monaghan (Warrington Wolves & Australia), Glenn Morrison (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats & Australia), Mark O’Meley (Hull FC & Australia), Josh Perry (St Helens & Australia),Tony Puletua (St Helens & New Zealand), Pat Richards (Wigan Warriors & Australia), Iosia Soliola (St Helens & New Zealand), Brent Webb (Leeds Rhinos & New Zealand).