 Jamie Peacock led the Lions in last year's Tri-Nations Series |
The Rugby Football League has refuted claims by former Great Britain manager Phil Clarke that they have failed to do enough for the international game. Clarke said the Lions were trailing New Zealand and Australia because of a lack of leadership by British chiefs.
But Simon Malcolm, the RFL's director of corporate communications, said Clarke's accusation was off the mark.
Malcolm also said the RFL was committed to giving Britain the best preparation ahead of the 2006 Tri-Nations Series.
"We are extremely disappointed by the suggestion that the RFL has not provided leadership for the international game, an accusation which is self-evidently wrong," said Malcolm.
"All members of the GB coaching and management team and the RFL were party to the decisions made over the last five years to meet international objectives and in complete agreement about the direction the sport should take."
Malcolm said Great Britain had already secured backing from the Super League clubs for more opportunities for the international squad to get together in mid-season.
He also revealed that a trial game for potential Lions players was due to take place in June.
Malcolm pointed out that the governing body increased their spending on the Great Britain squad by 250% in the last two years and that the RFL were committed to development through the academies.
Malcolm added: "The RFL would like to stress that it remains totally committed to providing the Great Britain team with the best possible preparation for the 2006 Tri-Nations.
"The staff who will take forward the GB team into the tournament and beyond will get - as has always been the case - the full support and commitment of the RFL."
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