Monaghan looking forward to International Origin

Warrington hooker Michael Monaghan is looking forward to playing alongside the likes of Catalan scrum half Scott Dureau in this year’s International Origin series.

Monaghan, 32, has been named in the provisional Exiles squad for the two-game series, which take place on June 16th at Langtree Park and July 4th at the Galpharm Stadium.

He said: “I’d be real proud to be selected. The boys last year really enjoyed it and it has now evolved further.

“It would be great to play alongside the likes of Scott Dureau. I didn’t know much about him before he came to Super League but he’s been a star performer for the past two years.

“I’ve always admired Tony Puletua from Saints and it would be nice to have played with him in my career.”

Monaghan didn’t feature in last season’s game, in which the Exiles beat England 16-12 at Headingley thanks to tries from Willie Manu, Francis Meli and George Carmont.

His Wolves team-mate Brett Hodgson played at full back, and he has this season been named as captain for the Exiles, who will be coached by Daniel Anderson in 2012.

Monaghan added: “It has been talked about a lot in training. Warrington has a lot of England lads and obviously Brett Hodgson is Exiles captain so he’s excited.

“We expect to win, although half of the Exiles team from last year play for England now!

“Both teams are full of quality it’ll be a good match-up. It’s good for England and Steve McNamara will be happy with the extra-game. It is important for England to play high-standard international matches.”