Great Britan v New Zealand A -
Preview

Barrie McDermott has warned young pretender Paul Wood: "Keep your hands off my Great Britain shirt" ahead of the Ashes Series warm-up against New Zealand A.

The Leeds Rhinos front-rower will pack down with the rookie at Headingley knowing the pair could be battling for a Test spot in the Think! Road Safety Test Series with Australia.

Gareth Ellis, the Wakefield centre or second-rower, and Castleford utility forward Ryan Hudson are the other uncapped players out to impress on the night.

The match is Britain's only chance of a competitive hit-out before the real action begins against the kangaroos and coach David Waite will use it to try out a few positional try outs as well as giving much-needed match practice to players whose season ended a month ago.

New Zealand A coach Gerard Stokes has delayed selection of his team because of a number of injuries in the tourists' camp.

The Kiwis' biggest doubts are captain Shane Beyers, who has seen a specialist about a shoulder injury, and three-quarter Vila Apuula, who was having X-rays after sustaining an eye injury in Sunday's game against Warrington.

Apuula has been signed by National Rugby League club Canberra Raiders for 2004 while fellow tourist, second rower Jesse Royal will join Australian champions Penrith Panthers.