Langley has been in good form

St Helens winger Ade Gardner and prop James Graham are set for debuts on home turf, with Bradford back-rower Jamie Langley also hoping for a first cap.

Elsewhere, Noble has retained 12 players from last year's Tri-Nations.

But Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield is a notable omission in a squad containing eight Saints, led by Paul Sculthorpe.

Langley and Wigan skipper Sean O'Loughlin both got the nod ahead of Sinfield, who was a surprise omission from the 2004 squad before being recalled for last year's Tri-Series.

"A few people came close to being selected in the 20," said Noble.

"Every player in the squad has earned his selection with outstanding performances on a week-by-week basis in the engage Super League.

James Graham is at the top of the tree in relation to performance Brian Noble

"We are in a fortunate position because there are other quality players who can consider themselves unlucky not to be in this squad."

Hull centre Kirk Yeaman, Super League's leading try-scorer this year, was ruled out with ankle ligament damage but remains part of Noble's plans for the end-of-season Tri-Nations Series in New Zealand and Australia.

Half-backs Paul Deacon (Bradford) and Richard Horne (Hull) failed to make the cut, along with Lee Briers (Warrington) and Paul Cooke (Hull), despite consistently good club displays.

Noble also felt Wigan second rower Gareth Hock will benefit from more games with Wigan after 15 months out with injury.

The coach will name his final 18 a week on Monday, but the 20-year-old Graham is certain to make the step up to full international level after skippering the academy team against Australia two years ago.

"James has come through the system and it's good to see he's transferring his ability right to the top level," Noble added.

"He is at the top of the tree in relation to performance."

GB squad:
Backs: Paul Wellens (St Helens), Ade Gardner (St Helens), Gareth Raynor (Hull), Martin Gleeson (Warrington), Keith Senior (Leeds), Danny McGuire (Leeds), Leon Pryce (St Helens), Rob Burrow (Leeds), Sean Long (St Helens).
Forwards: Keiron Cunningham (St Helens), Terry Newton (Bradford), Stuart Fielden (Bradford), James Graham (St Helens), Adrian Morley (Sydney Roosters), Gareth Ellis (Leeds), Lee Gilmour (St Helens), Jamie Peacock (Leeds), Jamie Langley (Bradford), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan), Paul Sculthorpe (St Helens, capt).