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Rugby League

Fielden omitted as Smith names World Cup squad

07/10/2008

Wigan Warriors prop forward Stuart Fielden has been left out of the England squad for the Rugby League World Cup, which takes place in Australia later this month.

Despite returning to form for his club side in their run to the Grand Final playoff eliminator, which they lost to eventual champions Leeds Rhinos, Fielden has failed to force his way into head coach Tony Smith's final 24-man squad - even though there are only four specialist props included.

A total of 15 players who were involved in last Saturday's Super League Grand Final have been named.

Leeds have eight representatives, including England captain Jamie Peacock and uncapped winger Lee Smith, 22, while seven players hail from St Helens.

Harlequins RL have a surprise inclusion in the shape of loose forward Rob Purdham, while - even without the presence of the experienced Fielden - Wigan have three players in the squad in Gareth Hock, Mark Calderwood and Mickey Higham.

Warrington Wolves also have three call-ups - Martin Gleeson, Adrian Morley and Ben Westwood – while the Bradford Bulls duo of Jamie Langley and Paul Sykes also make the final 24.

England fly out to Australia next Monday to begin their preparations for the first match of the tournament against Papua New Guinea in Townsville on Saturday October 25th.

The other two group matches are against hosts Australia in Melbourne on Sunday November 2nd and New Zealand on Saturday November 8th.

The top three from this four-team section progress to the semi-finals.

Full 24-man England World Cup squad:

Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhinos), Mark Calderwood (Wigan Warriors), Gareth Ellis (Leeds Rhinos), Mauire Fa'asavalu (St Helens), Ade Gardner (St Helens), Martin Gleeson (Warrington Wolves), James Graham (St Helens), Mickey Higham (Wigan Warriors), Gareth Hock (Wigan Warriors), Jamie Jones Buchanan (Leeds Rhinos), Jamie Langley (Bradford Bulls), Danny McGuire (Leeds Rhinos), Adrian Morley (Warrington Wolves), Jamie Peacock (Leeds Rhinos), Leon Pryce (St Helens), Rob Purdham (Harlequins RL), James Roby (St Helens), Keith Senior (Leeds Rhinos), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos), Lee Smith (Leeds Rhinos), Paul Sykes (Bradford Bulls), Paul Wellens (St Helens), Ben Westwood (Warrington Wolves), Jon Wilkin (St Helens).