Brian McClennan completes Exiles squad to face England

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Glenn Morrison
Image caption,

Glenn Morrison joined Wakefield from Bradford Bulls last year

Brian McClennan has made his final three selections for the Exiles squad to face England in the inaugural International Origin match on 10 June.

The former New Zealand coach has included Wakefield forward Glenn Morrison, St Helens prop Josh Perry and Huddersfield forward David Fa'alogo.

McClennan said: "I'm looking forward to getting down to business.

"I feel confident that we have the right blend of experience and quality to really make this a fabulous match."

The contest is to become an annual fixture between the England national rugby league team and an Exiles side consisting of Australian and New Zealand players currently playing in Super League.

Thirteen of the players were selected from a poll of more than 10,000 fans, and they include evergreen forward Steve Menzies, at 37 the oldest player in Super League, whose sparkling form for Catalan Dragons this year was recognised.

Among those picked by McClennan is Leeds prop Kylie Leuluai, who is set to line up alongside his cousin Thomas, the Wigan and New Zealand scrum-half.

McClennan, who will return to Headingley Carnegie for the first time since leaving Leeds Rhinos as coach at the end of last season, said: "We have some terrific talent at our disposal with vast experience at the highest level. The fans have made some intelligent selections.

"It will be very difficult to reduce the squad down to the final 18 and it will certainly give me and [assistant] Terry Matterson a real dilemma when we have to select the starting line-up."

Morrison, 35, said: "I'm really excited. I'm over the moon. It's a great concept and the chance to play international rugby at this age and this time in my career would be something I would really cherish, so fingers crossed I can make that final cut.

"It will be similar to State of Origin - a mate against mate sort of feel. Everyone will be treating it as a real international and I'm sure there'll be plenty of bumps and bruises and a few hard hits along the way.

"It's been a good season for me and if I could make this team it would top it off."

Squad: Danny Buderus (capt, Leeds Aus), Thomas Leuluai (vice capt, Wigan Warriors & NZ), Louis Anderson (Warrington & NZ), George Carmont (Wigan & NZ), Rangi Chase (Castleford & NZ), David Fa'alogo (Huddersfield & NZ), David Faiumu (Huddersfield & NZ), Craig Fitzgibbon (Hull FC & Aus), Brett Hodgson (Warrington & Aus), Matt King (Warrington & Aus), Kylie Leuluai (Leeds & NZ), Willie Manu (Hull FC & Tonga), Francis Meli (St Helens & NZ), Steve Menzies (Catalan Dragons & Ausa), Michael Monaghan (Warrington Wolves & Aus), Glenn Morrison (Wakefield & Aus), Mark O'Meley (Hull FC & Aus), Josh Perry (St Helens & Aus),Tony Puletua (St Helens & NZ), Pat Richards (Wigan & Aus), Iosia Soliola (St Helens & NZ), Brent Webb (Leeds & NZ).

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