BBC SPORT | Rugby League | GB ready for tough test



By Paul Sculthorpe St Helens star and BBC Sport Online columnist

The loss of Sean Long is a massive blow for Great Britain.

Longy would have been first choice against New Zealand.

He has struggled with injury all season, but really hit form in the back end of the season when it counts and was looking to take that into the Test series.

The Kiwis have got strengths throughout their team

It was a surprise to me. I spoke to him the other day and he said he had a slight fracture, but if he missed the Saints-New Zealand game he might be alright in a few weeks with a bit of rest.

Great Britain squad

I have known him since he was nine years old, we are the best of mates, and it is a bit of a shock that he was not included.

But it gives either Paul Deacon or Danny Orr a great chance to shine.

We have lost a few key players through injury like Kris Radlinski and Paul Wellens.

But there are a couple who did not play in the last Test, like Adrian Morley who has shown great form in Australia and is a huge boost for us.

And the players who have come in are well capable of doing a job or they would not be in the squad.

For me it is a relief to be in there. Nothing is taken for granted in this game and it is great to be picked.

Paul Sculthorpe takes on the Australians
Great Britain found life tough against the Aussies
It was a tremendous display by Saints on Friday. There was a lot of first teamers missing and they played a great game.

Kiwis survive Saints scare

The Kiwis have got strengths throughout their team, not only the pace and the power of the guys but the skill as well.

But there are definitely weaknesses there as well. They are big blokes and you can move them around the field.

You have only got to look at some of the tries the Saints boys scored on Friday to see.

It is tough to undertake a series like this at the end of a hard season.

Super League is getting tougher every year, but once you get into the GB camp you are raring to go.

We have got a lot to prove after the disappointment against Australia in July.

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