McClennan names Exiles squad

Australians and New Zealanders are split 50-50 in the 18-man squad named by Exiles coach Brian McClennan for the inaugural international Origin match against England at Headingley on June 10.

Thirteen of the players have been selected from a poll of more than 10,000 fans, with McClennan choosing the other five, and the former Leeds and New Zealand head coach will pick four more throughout May to take his final squad up to 22.

Among those selected by the fans is evergreen forward Steve Menzies, at 37 the oldest player in Super League, whose sparkling form for Catalan Dragons this year is recognised.

Among those hand-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.

Super League leaders Warrington have the biggest representation with four players in Louis Anderson, Matt King, Brett Hodgson and Joel Monaghan, while champions Wigan and Huddersfield each have three representatives.

"The make up of the squad looks very exciting," McClennan said. "We have some terrific talent at our disposal with vast experience at the highest level.

"The fans have made some intelligent selections throughout the voting process over the past month. Their selections mirror the type of squad I am looking to build.

"Their fan picks will serve as the nucleus of my squad going into the game against England."

Squad: Louis Anderson (Warrington, NZ), Danny Buderus (Leeds, Aus, capt), George Carmont (Wigan, NZ), Rangi Chase (Castleford, NZ), David Fa'alogo (Huddersfield, NZ), David Faiumu (Huddersfield, NZ), Craig Fitzgibbon (Hull, Aus), Brett Hodgson (Warrington, Aus), Matt King (Warrington, Aus), Kylie Leuluai (Leeds, NZ), Thomas Leuluai (Wigan, NZ).

Steve Menzies (Catalans, Aus), Joel Monaghan (Warrington, Aus), Luke O'Donnell (Huddersfield, Aus), Mark O'Meley (Hull, Aus), Tony Puletua (St Helens, NZ), Pat Richards (Wigan, Aus), Iosia Soliola (St Helens, NZ).