Hock Named in England World Cup Side

Wigan Warriors second rower Gareth Hock has been named in the England World Cup side for their opening game against Papua New Guinea on Saturday.

Hock and Martin Gleeson are the only players in the starting 13 not from the top two finishing sides in the 20008 engage Super League in Leeds and St Helens. There is no place in the 17 for either Mark Calderwood or Mickey Higham.

The full line-up is:-

1. Paul Wellens

2. Ade Gardner

3. Martin Gleeson

4 Keith Senior

5. Lee Smith

6. Leon Pryce

7. Rob Burrow

8. Jamie Peacock (capt)

9. James Roby

10. James Graham

11. Gareth Hock

12. Gareth Ellis

13. Kevin Sinfield

Replacements

14. Danny McGuire

15. Maurie Fa'asavalu

16. Adrian Morley

17. Jon Wilkin

Speaking about Gareth Hock, England's Coach Tony Smith told a press conference in Townsville,

"Gareth is big and physical and I admire the way he played at the back end of the year.

"I've put him under a bit of pressure to come in and buy into our systems and he's been prepared to make some sacrifices and adjustments to the way he's acted in the past.

"He's showed a lot of maturity this year and I'd like to reward him with a start. I think he will do a fantastic job and will really trouble the Kumuls. He's a logical choice."

The game kicks off at 9.55am (UK time) and is live on Sky Sports 2 from 9.30am .Live commentary of the game is also available on BBC Five Live Sports Extra, and highlights are available on the BBC via the red button from 7.00pm on Saturday evening.