Catalans and Saints dominate Exiles squad

Catalan Dragons and St Helens have the most representatives in Daniel Anderson’s squad for the Exiles’ first international fixture of the summer against England.

The two sides have both had five players included in Anderson’s 22-man party, making up nearly half of the playing squad for the June 16 clash.

Anderson named his squad via video link-up from Australia this morning, choosing nine of the players selected by Brian McClennan for last season’s inaugural fixture.

Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves provide four players each and, with Huddersfield Giants offering two and Hull FC and London Broncos one each, it means the squad has been picked from just half of Stobart Super League’s 14 sides.

From the title-chasing Dragons, Fiji centre Darryl Millard, prop Lopini Paea, last year’s pick Louis Anderson, form scrum-half Scott Dureau and London Irish-bound Setaimata Sa are all included.

Saints – who Anderson coached with distinction between 2005 and 2008 – offer forward Anthony Laffranchi, winger Francis Meli, New Zealand international Lance Hohaia, centre Sia Soliola and Tony Puletua.

The squad as a whole has 193 caps of international experience and features just one change from the pre-announced 30-man group, with Huddersfield’s David Faiumu being drafted in.

Exiles squad to play England at St Helens on June 16: Laffranchi, Meli, Hohaia, Soliola, Puletua (all St Helens), Kaufusi (London), Finch, Carmont, Lima, Leuluai (all Wigan), Hodgson, Joel Monaghan, Michael Monaghan, Waterhouse (all Warrington), Millard, Paea, Anderson, Dureau, Sa, (all Catalan), Faiumu, O’Donnell (Huddersfield), Manu (Hull)