Wigan-bound prop called up to USA squad

Wigan-bound prop Eddy Pettybourne has been called up to the USA squad for the World Cup.

Pettybourne, 25, signed for the Warriors in July, and comes in as a late replacement for the injury Andrew Durutalo.

The Kiwi-born forward will link up with Wigan after the World Cup, after spending a year at Wests Tigers.

He previously played for South Sydney Rabbitohs, and qualifies for USA through his grandfather.

Pettybourne said: “This is such an honour for myself but also my family and I feel blessed to be able to represent America.

“My grandfather is from America Samoa and I can’t wait to get over there and give my all for the Tomahawks.”

In 2009, Pettybourne chose to represent New Zealand instead of playing for Australia, and was called up to their Four Nations squad, but did not make an appearance.

Instead, he made his international bow for Samoa in April 2013, starting in the second row as they lost 36-4 to Tonga.