League: Australian team includes changes

Centre Jamie Lyon will end a three-year exile after being named among five changes to the Australian starting 13 for the Tri-Nations rugby league test against Great Britain on Saturday.

With his team unbeaten after their opening two series matches against New Zealand, Australian coach Ricky Stuart has opted to make wide use of his 23-man squad.

Lyon takes over in the centres from Justin Hodges, utility back Ben Hornby replaces a resting Johnathan Thurston at halfback and Brent Tate takes over from Matt King on the wing.

In the forwards, barnstorming second rower Willie Mason returns after sitting out the second game against the Kiwis in Melbourne on October 21 because of concussion, and Shaun Berrigan swaps his bench spot to replace Cameron Smith at hooker.

Signed to play for Manly in the National Rugby League next season, Lyon has not represented the Kangaroos since 2003 after walking away from the Parramatta club in 2004 and later spending two seasons in England's Super League.

Australia:

Karmichael Hunt, Brent Tate, Mark Gasnier, Jamie Lyon, Greg Inglis, Darren Lockyer (captain), Ben Hornby, Mark O'Meley, Shaun Berrigan, Petero Civoniceva, Willie Mason, Nathan Hindmarsh, Luke O'Donnell.

Interchange:

Cameron Smith, Anthony Tupou, Brent Kite, Antonio Kaufusi.

- AAP