England stars make World XIII

Monday 7th December 2009

Above: England and St Helens James Graham - included in the World XIII

Three England internationals are included in the 2009 World XIII, announced by Rugby League World magazine.

St Helens prop James Graham, who was the only Englishman in the 2008 team, retains his place and is joined by back-row duo Gareth Ellis and Sam Burgess.

Ellis, formerly with Wakefield and Leeds, was Wests Tigers' player of the year in 2009, while Bradford forward Burgess will also ply his trade in Australia's NRL in 2010 after agreeing a four-year deal with South Sydney.

Australia internationals Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith are the other survivors from the 2008 team.

The team was selected by a panel of former internationals, including Wally Lewis and Garry Schofield, and members of the rugby league media who took club form into account but, as with the Golden Boot award, gave greater credence to representative rugby.

Team (Australian unless stated): Billy Slater, Brett Morris, Greg Inglis, Michael Jennings, Taniela Tuiaki (NZ), Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, Fuifui Moimoi (NZ), Cameron Smith, James Graham (Eng), Gareth Ellis (Eng), Anthony Watmough, Sam Burgess (Eng).