30 Apr 2007 - Smith set to build for World Cup against France
New Great Britain coach Tony Smith is likely to name a younger looking squad for his first international in charge on Friday 22 June at Headingley Carnegie Stadium in the Frontline Test Match against France.
With one eye on next year?s World Cup in Australia, Smith is looking to give some of his senior players who played in last year?s Tri-Nations a rest. This will allow some of engage Super League?s young guns an opportunity to stake their claim for a place in next year?s World Cup squad.
Tony Smith said: "We?re less than 18 months away from the start of the World Cup and the build up to that tournament starts against France in June. That?s why for this Frontline Test Match I?m looking to give some other players a chance.
"We have some of the best young players in the world in this country, all of which have come through the system. I am keen to see them play some international football to see if they will be suitable to take to Australia in October next year.
"Therefore, I expect the squad I name in a few weeks to be a mixture of new faces, eager to prove themselves, and experienced and established internationals."
June?s Frontline Test Match will be the first time Great Britain has played their cross-channel rivals since October 2001.
Last year England beat France 26-10 during the Federation Shield. Despite this victory, Smith still expects a difficult encounter at Headingley Carnegie.
He added: "I think it will be a tough game against the French as they have some quality players. The emergence of Catalans Dragons in engage Super League has helped their national team immensely. They are now benefiting from playing a high level of rugby each week, and I expect them to give us a very good game."
Thursday?s press conference also saw the RFL unveil Frontline Bathrooms as a new official partner.
The Yorkshire-based company, who are one of the UK?s leading suppliers of bathrooms to the industry, have agreed a two year deal with the RFL. As well as taking the naming rights to the Great Britain versus France Frontline Test Match, the partnership package means they will also receive branding and advertising at all key rugby league matches and finals in 2007 and 2008.
Paul Kimberley, the RFL?s Commercial Director said: "Frontline have been a regular sponsor at a club level in engage Super League with Bradford and St Helens, and in the Co-operative National League through their shirt sponsorship of Featherstone.
"We are delighted that they have joined our partners programme with an annual six figure commitment and the Frontline Test Match is an excellent way to launch this relationship."
Stuart Greenwood, Director of Frontline Bathrooms, said: "As one of the fastest growing companies in the North of England, we are delighted to sponsor this flagship summer Test Match between Great Britain and France
"Frontline is based in the heartland of Rugby League, being the main sponsor of local traditional club Featherstone Rovers. The company is steeped in Rugby League from warehouse floor to boardroom, my personal allegiance being to Bradford Bulls with fellow Director Mike Roden supporting St Helens.
"The Frontline Test will provide a major boost to the market awareness of the Frontline Bathroom catalogue brand."
The Frontline Test Match between Great Britain and France will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Friday 22 June. It will be the first of four Test Matches this year, with Great Britain taking on New Zealand in the Gillette Fusion Test Series this autumn. A Northern Union side will also take on the All Golds team at Warrington?s Halliwell Jones Stadium in the Gillette Fusion Centenary International.
With one eye on next year?s World Cup in Australia, Smith is looking to give some of his senior players who played in last year?s Tri-Nations a rest. This will allow some of engage Super League?s young guns an opportunity to stake their claim for a place in next year?s World Cup squad.
Tony Smith said: "We?re less than 18 months away from the start of the World Cup and the build up to that tournament starts against France in June. That?s why for this Frontline Test Match I?m looking to give some other players a chance.
"We have some of the best young players in the world in this country, all of which have come through the system. I am keen to see them play some international football to see if they will be suitable to take to Australia in October next year.
"Therefore, I expect the squad I name in a few weeks to be a mixture of new faces, eager to prove themselves, and experienced and established internationals."
June?s Frontline Test Match will be the first time Great Britain has played their cross-channel rivals since October 2001.
Last year England beat France 26-10 during the Federation Shield. Despite this victory, Smith still expects a difficult encounter at Headingley Carnegie.
He added: "I think it will be a tough game against the French as they have some quality players. The emergence of Catalans Dragons in engage Super League has helped their national team immensely. They are now benefiting from playing a high level of rugby each week, and I expect them to give us a very good game."
Thursday?s press conference also saw the RFL unveil Frontline Bathrooms as a new official partner.
The Yorkshire-based company, who are one of the UK?s leading suppliers of bathrooms to the industry, have agreed a two year deal with the RFL. As well as taking the naming rights to the Great Britain versus France Frontline Test Match, the partnership package means they will also receive branding and advertising at all key rugby league matches and finals in 2007 and 2008.
Paul Kimberley, the RFL?s Commercial Director said: "Frontline have been a regular sponsor at a club level in engage Super League with Bradford and St Helens, and in the Co-operative National League through their shirt sponsorship of Featherstone.
"We are delighted that they have joined our partners programme with an annual six figure commitment and the Frontline Test Match is an excellent way to launch this relationship."
Stuart Greenwood, Director of Frontline Bathrooms, said: "As one of the fastest growing companies in the North of England, we are delighted to sponsor this flagship summer Test Match between Great Britain and France
"Frontline is based in the heartland of Rugby League, being the main sponsor of local traditional club Featherstone Rovers. The company is steeped in Rugby League from warehouse floor to boardroom, my personal allegiance being to Bradford Bulls with fellow Director Mike Roden supporting St Helens.
"The Frontline Test will provide a major boost to the market awareness of the Frontline Bathroom catalogue brand."
The Frontline Test Match between Great Britain and France will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Friday 22 June. It will be the first of four Test Matches this year, with Great Britain taking on New Zealand in the Gillette Fusion Test Series this autumn. A Northern Union side will also take on the All Golds team at Warrington?s Halliwell Jones Stadium in the Gillette Fusion Centenary International.