All not lost for Giants’ England trio

Oct 8 2008 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HUDDERSFIELD Giants will not have a representative in England’s World Cup squad.

But head coach Tony Smith has not at this stage ruled out completely Martin Aspinwall, David Hodgson or Darrell Griffin earning a late call-up.

Former Giants chief Smith yesterday announced his final 24-man squad for the tournament in Australia, which gets under way with England’s group game against Papua New Guinea on Saturday, October 25.

Many members of England’s original train-on squad have lost out on final selection, with Super League Grand Finalists Leeds Rhinos and St Helens taking up 15 of the England places.

A number of those not named will, however, play for England in Friday’s warm-up game against Wales in Doncaster.

Smith has hinted Huddersfield will have some representation in that match, and that there could still be a tremendous amount at stake for those who take to the field.