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Rugby League

Smith gives five chance to shine

20/06/2007

Great Britain rugby league coach Tony Smith has given five new faces the chance to prove their worth against France this Friday.

Smith has opted to give debuts to Bradford Bulls forwards Andy Lynch and Jamie Langley, Harlequins pair Chris Melling and Paul Sykes, and Salford City Reds' Andrew Coley.

He has also given first international starts to St Helens duo James Roby and Jon Wilkin,
Huddersfield Giants' Stephen Wild and Leeds Rhino Rob Burrow in the Frontline Test against the French.

Indeed, only two players in the side have reached double figures in terms of caps, with Adrian Morley of Warrington Wolves (32 caps) captaining the side and Leeds Rhino Gareth Ellis (13 caps) playing at number 11.

Smith has told his players that he will be viewing the game at Headingley Carnegie as a chance to impress ahead of the autumn series against New Zealand.

"This is a really strong side and the perfect opportunity for a number of these players to stake their claim for a place in the squad for [the] series against New Zealand," Smith said.

"As a group we're all very excited as this is a new beginning not only for the players but the coaching staff who, you could say, are all making their international debuts as well.

"As I expect the French to be really tough in the forwards I've gone for quite a big, but mobile pack. This is supported by a very energetic bench to ensure that we can maintain our intensity in the match for the full 80 minutes."

Morley captains the Lions side for the first time in his career and will be hoping he can lead his side to a convincing against a French side which will also be fielding five debutants.

Full Great Britain squad of 18 to face France

C Melling (Harlequins), D Hodgson (Salford), S Wild (Huddersfield), P Sykes (Harlequins), A Gardner (St Helens); D McGuire (Leeds), R Burrow (Leeds), A Morley (Warrington, captain), J Roby (St Helens), A Lynch (Bradford), G Ellis (Leeds), A Coley (Salford), J Wilkin (St Helens)

Replacements: S O'Loughlin (Wigan), J Graham (St Helens), K Sinfield (Leeds), J Langley (Bradford), J Clarke (Warrington)

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