Monaghan announced as McClennan’s fifth Exiles pick
Exiles coach Brian McClennan has chosen Warrington Wolves winger Joel Monaghan as his fifth selection for the Exiles 22-man squad that will take on England in the International Origin Match on Friday June 10 at Headingley Carnegie (8.00pm).
Monaghan joins Exiles captain and current Leeds Rhinos hooker Danny Buderus, vice captain Thomas Leuluai from Wigan Warriors, Huddersfield Giants’ Luke O’Donnell and St Helens’s Tony Puletua as Brian McClennan’s current Exiles squad selections to face England. The concept of a mixed Australian and New Zealand side taking on England is a challenge that Monaghan is looking forward to.
“I am honoured to be selected for the Exiles squad to face England,” said Monaghan. “This is a completely different concept that is being introduced and hopefully it is something that will continue to grow each year.
“I never thought I would get to play representative football again so to have the opportunity of teaming up with some great Australian and kiwi players to take on England will be fantastic.
“I am sure there will be some banter with some of the Warrington players in the England squad and I am looking forward to it.
“I have never played at Headingley Carnegie before so it is an exciting prospect to be involved in such a fixture at the stadium. Hopefully there will be a large crowd there and a good atmosphere for what should be an intense game.”
Monaghan has made an impressive start to his Engage Super League playing career with Warrington Wolves, which clearly caught the eye of Exiles coach Brian McClennan.
“Joel Monaghan has been a revelation since he joined Warrington at the start of the season,” said the Exiles coach. “He is regarded as one of the best three-quarters in the competition and will add depth and experience to the Exiles squad.
“Joel is a natural finisher and has the ability to outwit his opponent with his overall strength, speed and awareness on the field. He is particular strong under the high ball and this is an area where the Exiles will be very strong.
“Through the fan vote, the supporters of Rugby League are making some intelligent selections and it makes sense to see that fans are pushing for some club partnerships in the backs with Matt King of Warrington, Pat Richards and George Carmont of Wigan leading the way for three quarter berths. It will help the players settle in very quickly if they are playing alongside teammates and we can work on some combinations and set plays that have been successful at club level.
“The squad is starting to take shape and with the fan vote being very successful and adding a unique dimension to the squad selection, there is a real sense of anticipation in this game, which I can’t wait to be part of.”
In a unique concept to British sport, the final Exiles squad will be chosen in part by the public, with fans having the chance to choose 13 of the 22 squad members to face England. The remaining nine selections will be made by the Exiles coach, Brian McClennan, and his assistant Terry Matterson. Fans can make their selections and collect their £5 discount voucher (redeemable against the cost of a full price adult ticket) online at www.internationalorigin.com
Pre-purchased tickets for the International Origin match start from £19 for adults and £12 concessions and are available at www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.ukor by contacting the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 1113. Tickets purchased on the day of the match start from £22 for adults and £15 for concessions.
