France bid for Aussie trio

France are seeking approval to include three Australian-born Catalans players in their provisional Four Nations squad.

National side hope to include Australians

France are seeking approval from the International Federation to include three Australian-born players in their provisional Four Nations squad. Officials are hoping Clint Greenshields, Casey McGuire and Adam Mogg will be eligible to play for France, after spending the last three seasons in the country with the Catalans Dragons. The Perpignan club have17 players included in the provisional 30-man France squad, which coach Bobbie Goulding will cut down to 22 or 23 by October 8. New French captain Olivier Elima said it's still uncertain whether the trio will be involved. "The president has been talking to the international board and we're still waiting to hear," he said. "We are going to try and get them and I certainly hope they will make it because they are real quality players."

Experience

Elima has been awarded captaincy following the retirement of former skipper Jerome Guisset, and the former Wakefield and Castleford player said he's optimistic about where he can lead them. "I will try to do my best to take the team to new heights," he said. "I've been a vice-captain a couple of times but this is the first time as captain. However, I have a lot of experience and I think it's a natural thing for me." Jean-Philippe Baile has been appointed vice-captain ahead of their Four Nations campaign which kicks-off against England at the Keepmoat Stadium on October 23. France squad - Forwards: Eric Anselme (Toulouse), Kane Bentley (Catalans), Remy Casty (Catalans), Olivier Elima (Catalans, capt), Jamal Fakir (Catalans), David Ferriol (Catalans), Romain Gagliazzo (Carcassonne), Cyril Gossard (Catalans), Mathieu Griffi (Toulouse), Sebastien Martins (Catalans), Casey McGuire (Catalans - subject to eligibility), Said Tamghart (Halifax), Julien Rinaldi (Villeneuve), Teddy Saddaoui (Carcassonne), Julien Touxagas (Catalans).
Backs: William Barthau (UTC), Jean-Philippe Baile (Catalans), Thomas Bosc (Catalans), Vincent Duport (Catalans), David Guasch (UTC), Tony Ginot (Avignon), Clint Greenshields (Catalans - subject to eligibility), Maxime Greseque (Pia), Adam Mogg (Catalans - subject to eligibility), Christophe Moly (Carcassonne), Dimitri Pelo (Catalans), Sbastien Raguin (Catalans), Cyril Stacul (Catalans), Frederic Vaccari (UTC), Constant Villegas (Toulouse).