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Rugby League

Clarke "calm" ahead of GB debut

02/11/2007

Warrington Wolves hooker Jon Clarke says he is "feeling pretty calm" ahead of his Great Britain debut against New Zealand tomorrow.

The 28-year-old will start against the Kiwis in the second Test of the three-match series after being called up to replace Bradford Bulls player Terry Newton.

But rather than feeling the nerves ahead of his debut, Clarke claims he is "focused on the job in hand".

"I'm feeling pretty calm," he said.

"I'm just trying to balance my emotions and not get too excited. I have got to stay focused."

Clarke has been backed to succeed by his club coach Paul Cullen, who believes the player's call-up is just reward for his years of hard work and dedication.

"Jon is a very driven athlete, who has fought his way to the top the hard way," Cullen said

"His continued improvement is testimony to his honesty and ambition."

For the first time in 55 years, three Warrington Wolves players will play for Great Britain - Adrian Morley, Martin Gleeson, along with Clarke.

And Cullen said he is "delighted" for all the players involved, as well as the club itself.

"They [Morley, Gleeson and Clarke] have coped with a very difficult season and are still producing performances of top-class international standard," he added.