TWO of Huddersfield Giants top Junior Academy prospects are savouring starring roles for Great Britain Academic Lions against Australia.

Greehead College stuudents Chris Clarke and Simon George formed the second row pair as the Lions were beaten 20-4 in the Student Test by the young Kangaroos at Warrington.

It was the duo's second major appearance at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in two months.

They were both in action for the Giants against Warrington Wolves in the Under 18s Junior Academy First Division Grand Final. They were beaten 26-12.

And proud Giants football manager Stuart Sheard believes the experience they have gained in that time will prove invaluable.

"Playing for Great Britain rounds off an outstanding year for these two," said Sheard.

"They had already done enough with the Giants to earn new Academy contracts on December 1, and playing in this Test is the icing on the cake.

"The way they have both progressed this year has been fantastic.

"And you simply can't beat the big-match experience they will have gained in playing in the Academy final and then the Test.

"We're really proud of what they have achieved."

Former Newsome Panthers junior Clarke grabbed Great Britain's only try of the game in a man-of-the-match performance against the outstanding Australians.

And George, who signed for the Giants from Huddersfield Sharks, took some stopping with a number of rampaging runs.

The pair are the latest to make a name for themselves in international student rugby league as a result of their association with Greenhead College.

They follow in the footsteps of fellow pupil Jason Southwell - now a Giants Super League squad man - and the Greenhead side that savoured National League and Cup glory six years ago.

It's a proud boast for college head of PE Carl Atherton, who is not surprised Clarke and George have made such a positive impact.

"They are both highly talented athletes," said Atherton, who is also the Giants Scholarship co-ordinator.

"I've tracked their progress since they arrived here, both in terms of their A level PE studies and their playing ability, and they really impress me.

"Representing your country is always a magnificent achievement, but the fact they were playing for the Great Britain Students open age side when they are still eligible to play for the Under 18s at Academy level makes their achievements all the more remarkable.

"They already have their sights set on touring Australia with the Students next year, and I'm sure it will happen."