THERE was disappointment for Giants star Leroy Cudjoe as England coach Steve McNamara unveiled his team to face France in Avignon tomorrow night.
While included in McNamara’s 24-strong squad for the coming Four Nations series against Australia, New Zealand and Wales which starts at the end of the month, the Giants three-quarter has been left out of the 17 to play in the warm-up match in the south of France.
With the England coach preferring to team Hull clubmates Kirk Yeaman and Tom Briscoe on the left of his three-quarter line, Cudjoe (pictured) has missed out as Leeds Ryan Hall takes the other wing berth and newcomer Jack Reed of Brisbane Broncos is one of three debutants as he takes the other slot at centre.
Cudjoe will have to hope that he gets his chance when the Four Nations tournament gets under way – England start their campaign against Wales at Leigh Sports Village a week on Saturday – and McNamara was at pains to point out he will be looking at the progress of all his squad.
“I have been very pleased with the attitude of the players who haven’t made the side this week,” said former Giants player McNamara after revealing his choice.
“They are working hard in training and will come into contention as the Four Nations gets under way.”
And Cudjoe, the only member of the 24-strong squad from the Giants ranks, is clearly settled in the England camp.
“Everyone in the England camp are good mates and get along really well,” said the Galpharm star.
“It’s natural that within a club you have your mates that you are close with and, when you come into the international squads, it is a little different.
“But everyone pulls together and we all want to do well. Everyone contributes to the squad and gets along with each other.”
Trio handed their debuts – see Page 47
