Monday, February 12, 2007 - 2:16 PM
Brisbane Broncos captain Darren Lockyer will lead a full-strength squad to the UK to play English Super League champions St Helens in the World Club Challenge.
After playing a crucial hand in Queensland's State Of Origin comeback, Brisbane's premiership win over Melbourne and Australia's last gasp win over New Zealand in the Tri Nations final, Lockyer is keen to add the ***le of world club champions to his remarkable run.
Coach Wayne Bennett has named an 18-man squad which included 14 members of last October's grand final side plus Kiwi international Tame Tupou, winger Steve Michaels, hooker Michael Ennis and utility Greg Eastwood.
The squad flies out on Tuesday and will play a warm-up match against Welsh club Celtic Crusaders in Brigend on Thursday night before heading to Manchester for a week-long camp.
The premiers play St Helens at Bolton's Reebok Stadium on February 23.
Meanwhile, the Broncos have unveiled a revolutionary new jumper and shorts made by their sponsors Nike.
The lighter jersey features a tacky grip panel on the upper arm area to help players hold the football.
The shorts feature a chamois panel at the rear to allow players to wipe their hands.
The Broncos' touring squad is:
Darren Lockyer (capt), Shaun Berrigan, Darius Boyd, Dane Carlaw, Tonie Carroll, Petero Civoniceva, Greg Eastwood, Michael Ennis, Ben Hannant, Justin Hodges, Karmichael Hunt, Steve Michaels, Corey Parker, Shane Perry, Brent Tate, Sam Thaiday, Brad Thorn, Tame Tupou.
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