GIANTS duo Stephen Wild and Kevin Brown have been called into the Great Britain squad.

The pair were expected to be named after being part of the national set-up for this summer’s one-off Test against France.

But there is no place for Giants captain Chris Thorman, who was also in the Great Britain squad earlier in the year.

Wild and Brown are part of the initial Lions’ train-on squad for this autumn’s Test series against New Zealand, with the opening clash at the Galpharm Stadium on Saturday, October 27. They join new Giants signing David Hodgson, who was named last week while still with Salford.

There’s obviously no guarantee at this stage that the Giants duo will feature in their ‘home’ Test.

However, Huddersfield coach Jon Sharp feels they have both done enough this season to merit a start.

“I’m delighted for these two, because they’ve been great for us this year,” said Sharp.

“To be honest, I’m a little bit disappointed we didn’t have more players called up. I’m a big fan of my own players, and I did feel we deserved more of a say.

“But we’ll still have a very strong squad this autumn, and all the players who have been picked are certainly there on merit.

“And in my view Stephen and Kevin should definitely feature in the final Great Britain squad.

“Nobody is ever nailed on for a place in the national side, but I believe they should get a chance.

“Stephen has been sensational all year, that’s why he was deservedly named in the Super League Dream Team.

“He’s taken his game to another level over the past three months.

“Kevin has been the same. He’s developed tremendously this year.

“It’s now a case of getting their heads down with Great Britain and hoping they get that final call.”

RL – Pages 44 & 45.