Great Britain v Tonga Invitational XIII: Squads announced

Great Britain and the Tonga Invitational XIII have both named their squads for Saturday’s Test match in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Great Britain

Australian-born players Lachlan Coote and Jackson Hastings are both included by Wayne Bennett, as is Zak Hardaker, who was a shock inclusion in the 24-man squad. He lines up at centre, with Jake Connor named among the reserves. There’s no place for Warrington star Blake Austin.

21-man squad: 1 Lachlan Coote, 2 Jermaine McGillvary, 3 Zak Hardaker, 4 Oliver Gildart, 5 Ryan Hall, 6 Gareth Widdop, 7 Jackson Hastings, 8 Chris Hill, 9 Josh Hodgson, 10 Luke Thompson, 11 John Bateman, 12 Elliott Whitehead, 13 James Graham (c). Subs: 14 Josh Jones, 15 Tom Burgess, 16 Jonny Lomax, 17 Alex Walmsley. Reserves: 18 Jake Connor, 19 Jack Hughes.

Tonga Invitational XIII

The Tonga Invitational XIII includes several NRL stars, including Jason Taumalolo, Andrew Fifita and Michael Jennings. Salford Grand Finalist Tui Lolohea is also named at stand-off, while Warrington star Ben Murdoch-Masila and Hull-bound enforcer Manu Ma’u will line up in the back row. Leeds fan favourite Konrad Hurrell is named on an extended bench.

20-man squad: 1 Will Hopoate, 2 David Fusitu’a, 3 Michael Jennings, 4 Kotoni Staggs, 5 Daniel Tupou, 6 Tui Lolohea, 7 Ata Hingano, 8 Andrew Fifita, 9 Siliva Havili, 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho (c), 11 Ben Murdoch-Masila, 12 Manu Ma’u, 13 Jason Taumalolo (c). Subs: 14 Sione Katoa, 15 Addin Fonua-Blake, 16 John Asiata, 17 Sitili Tupouniua,. Reserves: 18 Tevita Tatola, 19 Konrad Hurrell, 20 Fanitesi Niu.