League: Virus continues to hit Great Britain side

7.30am - By ROBERT LOWE

LEEDS - Great Britain's build-up for their tri-nations rugby league test against New Zealand at Huddersfield on Saturday has been hit by a lingering virus.

Skipper Andy Farrell, who failed to appear at the British coach and captain's press conference today, is among "three or four" players who have been unable to train this week.

The ailment, known as the Norwalk virus, ruled centre Paul Johnson and second rower Sean O'Loughlin out of the Lions side that went down 12-8 to Australia last Saturday.

Noble was expected today to announce an 18-man squad ahead of the match against the Kiwis at Galpharm Stadium.

Because of the uncertainty caused by the illness, he named 19 players, with the final 17 to be confirmed on match day.

"It's a cold and flu virus and it has been disruptive," he said.

"We've tried to keep on top of it but it seems to have ricocheted from one player to the next.

That's what happens in camp. They're picking up bugs from each other."

Noble said he was hopeful that all his players would be available, but he was prepared for any eventuality.

Johnson, who has suffered the most of those affected, lost 5kg last week, but coach Brian Noble said he had recovered well and took a full part in training this week.

O'Loughlin, who had been in line to make his test debut against Australia before being struck down, had also recovered, he said.

Johnson and O'Loughlin have been included in the 19, while former Welsh rugby international Iestyn Harris and uncapped hooker Mickey Higham have also been added to the squad.

Centre Chev Walker and second rower Stephen Wild, who won their first caps coming off the bench against the Kangaroos last weekend, have been omitted.

Noble indicated that there would be few other changes in the side to face New Zealand.

"It's a very important game and people who have had a hit-out are probably in pole position for a start," he said.

There was no place for utility Karl Pratt, called into the Great Britain camp this week as cover after fullback Kris Radlinski was ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a back injury.

Pratt had hoped to get a chance to erase the memories of his last test appearance, at Blackburn in 2002, when he was exposed under the high ball as the Kiwis won 30-16, with winger Henry Fa'afili scoring a hat-trick.

Meanwhile, O'Loughlin, who is Farrell's brother-in-law and clubmate at Wigan, had his fingers crossed for a call-up after the disappointment of having to pull out of contention to face Australia.

"I was gutted on Friday night when I came down with it bad," he said.

"I was still hoping it would clear up in time but it was not to be. The doctor sent me home and I watched it on TV."

- NZPA