Smith hands Bridge the nod for England

Last Updated: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:06
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England coach Tony Smith has named Warrington centre Chris Bridge in his 24-man squad for this autumn's Four Nations series.

The 25-year-old switched his allegiance from Ireland to link up with England, while Smith has also included 20-year-old duo - St Helens utility back Kyle Eastmond and Wigan stand-off Sam Tomkins - in his squad for the first time.

In a fairly youthful squad, Richie Myler, Scott Moore, Ryan Hall and Sam Burgess are also all 21 or younger, while the more experienced St Helens trio of Leon Pryce, Ade Gardner and Paul Wellens and Leeds' Rob Burrow and Jamie Jones-Buchanan have been left out after a poor World Cup performance.

England's oldest player, forward Adrian Morley, is delighted that Smith is willing to blood some youngsters for the October and November series.

The 32-year-old said: "It's great that we've got a bit of fresh blood there.

"Coach Tony Smith has been pretty ruthless, with the backs in particular, but if you look at how they performed in the World Cup it's not a total shock or surprise. They'll admit themselves they didn't play particularly well."

Meanwhile Kevin Sinfield, who was man of the match in Leeds Rhinos' 18-10 Grand Final win over Saints on Saturday, is back in the squad along with his team-mate Lee Smith, who will switch codes and join Wasps after the Four Nations ends.

World Cup squad member, Bradford centre Paul Sykes, who was left out for the 58-6 mid-season international victory over France in Toulouse, returns to the squad.



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