GIANTS chief Jon Sharp was today hoping his preparations with the Great Britain 'advance' party have paid off.

Lions assistant coach Sharp, who is pictured below, and those players not involved in last Saturday's Super League Grand Final between St Helens and Hull jetted off to Australia 10 days ago.

They have been working towards today's game against a Newcastle Knights Select XIII, with places in the Great Britain side to face New Zealand in their Tri-Nations opener next Saturday at stake.

One of those hoping to impress was Giants winger Martin Aspinwall, who started today's game.

The side was captained by Jamie Peacock in the absence of the injured Paul Sculthorpe.

Much of the 'home' interest in the representative clash will have been focused on Brian Carney.

The Irishman played for the Knights in the 2006 NRL season, winning the Dally M Winger of the Year award for his efforts.

Although disappointed he'll be at the Gold Coast Titans in 2007, Carney was a crowd favourite throughout the season and plenty will have been keen to wish him well.

Great Britain: Reardon; Carney, Gleeson, Senior, Aspinwall; Briers, McGuire; Fielden, Higham, Peacock, Ellis, Hock, O'Loughlin. Subs: Burrow, Coley, Hodgson, Wood, Westwood.

The international attention this weekend will now focus on England's Federation Shield clash against France at Headingley on Sunday (5.45).

Although England coach Paul Cullen has yet to announce his starting line-up, Giants prop Eorl Crabtree is expected to be included.

Cullen has, however, named Harlequins' Rob Purdham as his captain, with England in action after the opening encounter between Samoa and Tonga (3.45) in what will be a Headingley double-header.

"It's a massive honour," said Purdham.

"I was a bit surprised to be chosen but it's a real honour. This will be the highlight of my career."

Leeds Rhinos hooker Matt Diskin has been made vice-captain, partly as reward for answering the call following the withdrawal of Mark Gleeson and Wayne Godwin through injury.

Cullen, who succeeded former Great Britain prop Karl Harrison as England head coach, has opted for two of the most experienced players in his 19-strong squad, which is likely to be bolstered by the return of Great Britain's stand-by players in Australia after this weekend.

Cullen said: "Rob is captain of his club side and has the respect of his peers.

"In the position we expect him to play, whether it's stand-off, loose forward or centre, the kid is going to be on the field for 80 minutes."