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Burgess in Lions match squad

24/10/2007

Bradford Bulls' 18-year-old forward Sam Burgess has been named in the 20-man Great Britain squad for the first Test against New Zealand.

Burgess joins St Helens' Maruie Fa'asavalu in the group, meaning both men could be in line to make their Lions debuts on Saturday in the first of three matches against the touring Kiwis.

Samoan-born Fa'asavalu is a controversial selection, having previously played international rugby for his country of birth at the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup.

Some have questioned his credentials as a Great Britain player, as he qualifies through residency only after four seasons at Saints following his decision to switch codes.

Burgess looks a virtual certainty to be named in the 17-strong matchday squad however after a series of impressive performances recently.

He won the young player of the year award after an impressive season for the grand final runners-up and was handed the man-of-the-match award when playing for the Northern Union side against the Kiwi All-Golds in the centenary game last weekend.

The first Test kicks off on Saturday at 18:15 BST at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium, with the second and third Tests scheduled for November 3rd and November 10th at Hull's KC Stadium and the JJB Stadium in Wigan, respectively.

Full 20-man squad Great Britain squad:

Sam Burgess (Bradford Bulls)
Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhinos)
Gareth Ellis (Leeds Rhinos)
Marie Fa'asavalu (St Helens)
Ade Gardner (St Helens)
Martin Gleeson (Warrington Wolves)
James Graham (St Helens)
David Hodgson (Salford City Reds/Huddersfield Giants)
Adrian Morley (Warrington Wolves)
Terry Newton (Bradford Bulls)
Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan Warriors)
Jamie Peacock (Leeds Rhinos, captain)
Leon Pryce (St Helens)
Gareth Raynor (Hull FC)
James Roby (St Helens)
Keith Senior (Leeds Rhinos)
Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos)
Paul Wellens (St Helens)
Stephen Wild (Huddersfield Giants)
Jon Wilkin (St Helens)