Bringing the Exiles back is a good idea, says Tom Briscoe

Leeds winger Tom Briscoe says bringing the Exiles concept back would be good for England’s World Cup preparations.

The 30-year-old played for England against the Exiles in the inaugural game in 2011 at Headingley and then scored in the 2012 fixture at Huddersfield.

With the likes of Sonny Bill Williams and James Maloney now in Super League, Briscoe believes the contest would be closer than ever.

He said: “I think it is a good idea. Getting to pull on the England shirt is always a great and proud moment so to give players the opportunity to play a game like this is important.

“The quality of overseas players is outstanding at the moment; to play against that quality of team would be great preparations for the England squad.

“They were tough games so I have no doubt it would be ideal from a performance side but, for it to succeed as a spectacle, we need more buy in from everyone else.

“There are obviously going to be challenges moving around in the next year but this would be ideal as everyone is already here in England.

“The signings over the last few seasons in Super League have been great, you only need to look at the quality we have got at the Rhinos, and with Greg Inglis already coming over next season and others, there are now some top names in our competition.

“That first Exiles team was top class but I think a new one could be the equal or even better. It would certainly be a worthwhile test for the squad.”

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