Exiles coach Brian McClennan has named his 18-man squad for the inaugural international Origin match against England on June 10.
Nine players each from Australia and New Zealand
Exiles coach Brian McClennan has named his 18-man squad for the inaugural international Origin match against England at Headingley on June 10.
The squad includes nine Kiwis and nine Aussies, while Super League leaders Warrington have the biggest representation with four players.
Thirteen of the players have been selected from a poll of more than 10,000 fans, with McClennan choosing the other five - all of whom are Kiwis. The former Leeds and New Zealand head coach will pick four more players throughout May to take his final squad up to 22.
Among those selected by the fans is veteran forward Steve Menzies, at 37 the oldest player in Super League, whose fine form for Catalan Dragons this year is recognised.
McClennan's selections are Louis Anderson, David Fa'alogo, David Faiumu and Sia Soliola - all current or former Kiwis - plus Kylie Leuluai, the Leeds prop who was born in Auckland and represented the Maori before switching his allegiance to Samoa.
"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."
Exiles 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).
