Will national team snub re-ignit Giants' League bid?
Forwards Sam Burgess (Bradford) and Sean O’Loughlin (Wigan) are also included after missing the World Cup through injury.
Smith said: "The first group of players are a mixture of youth and experience from a number of different clubs.
"I believe the players selected so far reflect that not only are we planning for this autumn’s Four Nations tournament but also the 2013 World Cup, which we hope to stage in this country.
"More players will be added to the programme throughout the season and the aim is to provide an elite training environment for a wide range of players from a variety of different clubs who, in turn, will benefit from their players being involved.
"Although only 17 players have been named so far, by no means does it guarantee their place in the mid-season Test against France or the upcoming Four Nations.
"As always, the playing squads will be picked on form which means the door is still wide open to all players with international aspirations."
