Jackson Hastings has won a fierce battle to claim one of the half-back spots in Wayne Bennett’s first Great Britain line-up.
The Aussie-born star – one of six half backs in the 24-man squad – will partner Gareth Widdop against Tonga on Saturday in Hamilton.
Jonny Lomax gets a spot on the bench, but George Williams, Blake Austin and Jake Trueman miss out.
St Helens star Lachlan Coote, one of three Australians in the squad along with Austin and Hastings, gets the nod at full back.
Salford prop Josh Jones will also make his international bow off the bench.
(Image: Action Images)
Utility star Zak Hardaker, who was only brought into the squad nine days ago, has been named in the centres.
Bennett has announced a 21-man squad but the first 17 will be his starters and bench on Saturday.
The entire team were evacuated from their hotel in Auckland yesterday after fire destroyed a neighbouring building.
They found an emergency base in Hamilton for the night and discovered Tonga were also staying there.
The Tongans have included Salford stand-off Tui Lolohea, Warrington forward Ben Murdoch-Masila and Leeds centre Konrad Hurrell in their line-up.
- Team: Coote, McGillvary, Hardaker, Gildart, Hall; Widdop, Hastings; Hill, Hodgson, Thompson, Bateman, Whitehead, Graham. Subs: Jones, Burgess, Lomax, Walmsley. Also in 21-man squad: Connor, Hughes, Wiliams, Clark.
