Graham promoted to World Cup starting XIII - St Helens RLFC

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Graham promoted to World Cup starting XIII

Published on 24/10/2008 10:51

James Graham has been promoted to England's starting line-up for their opening World Cup match against Papua New Guinea on Saturday.

The newly crowned Man of Steel winner, who has started on the subs' bench for the previous five international games for Great Britain and England, replaces veteran prop Adrian Morley.

Warrington front rower Morley played on during the later stages of the season with a stomach injury but is expected to make an appearance from the bench.

England coach Tony Smith said: ''Mozza hasn't played for a while so we'll introduce him a bit later in the game if that's how we finally go.

''James has been sensational this year and probably deserves a starting position. That's how we're going to go at this stage but, if we feel Mozza should start, we may change.''

Smith has also called up Leeds utility back Lee Smith and Wigan forward Gareth Hock Smith has pipped his former Rhinos team-mate Mark

Calderwood for the vacant left-wing berth while Hock is rewarded for a strong finish to a season dogged by suspension by being handed the second row spot made vacant by injury to Bradford's Sam Burgess.

As expected, Leon Pryce gets the vote ahead of Danny McGuire for the stand-off role while the 22-year-old Smith will take over from Hull KR winger Peter Fox after a man-of-the-match display in the Grand Final.

Smith, who played full-back for Leeds at Old Trafford, has previously represented England at second-tier level in the Federation Shield.

''It's always great to hand out a new cap,'' said Smith. ''It's a great honour for Lee and I know he's going to treasure that moment.

''He's been very good at the back end of this year and he deserves his place.''

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Graham promoted to World Cup starting XIII

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