Rugby League: Harris promoted to starting line-up
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.GREAT BRITAIN have responded to their defeat by New Zealand last week by promoting Iestyn Harris to their starting line-up for the second Test at Bolton tomorrow, writes Dave Hadfield.
Harris started the Test at Huddersfield on the bench, but moves to centre stage as his country's stand-off for a match they must win to keep the series alive. It is a move that will be widely welcomed by players and supporters alike, although the Great Britain coach, Andy Goodway, stopped short of admitting that he had got it wrong in the first Test, lost 22- 16 to the Kiwis. However, Harris's selection is recognition of the extra dimension he brings to the side.
"He is a very good player, but he is only part of the team," said Goodway, warning against inflated expectations that Harris' presence alone will prove decisive.
He has also named Harris's Leeds team-mate, Adrian Morley, with whom he works so well, in the second-row. Morley missed the Huddersfield defeat with an ankle injury and is still only regarded as a 70 per cent proposition for this one. If he fails to make it, either Lee Gilmour or Paul Sculthorpe, both relegated to the bench, will step up. They have both fared better than Darren Fleary, who is dropped after making his Test debut.
Dale Laughton moves up to the starting team and Harvey Howard is on stand- by to complete the substitutes if Morley drops out. Keiron Cunningham is fit, despite taking a battering in the first Test.
The former Great Britain stalwart Shaun Edwards has staked his claim for a recall for the third Test. Edwards, 32 years old and capped 36 times, was Ireland's man of the match in their narrow defeat by France in Dublin on Wednesday. "I went out there really fired up," said Edwards, who plays for the London Broncos. "I hope they don't lose on Saturday, but, if they do, perhaps I'll get a call up for the third Test. I still have a burning ambition to play for Great Britain."
Walsall is the latest location to be linked with an application to join Super League. Gateshead Thunder have already been admitted for next season, while Cardiff are to re-apply for a place from 2000.
British team, Digest, page 31
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments