French preliminary squad

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English Super League guns Catalans Dragons account for half the 40-man French squad announced today for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

The other half of the squad includes one other UK Super League player from Harlequins and 19 from the domestic French competition, including five Australians.

The Australians – James Wynne (Lezignan), formerly Knights; Jared Taylor (Lezignan), Sharks; Trent Clayton (Toulouse), Penrith; Justin Murphy (Catalans), Bulldogs and Warriors; and John Wilson (Catalans), Tigers - have all lived and played in France for over three years therefore qualifying through the residency rule.

Two more Australians and current NRL players Heath L’Estrange (Sea Eagles) and David Shillington (Roosters) were initially chosen in the squad, subject to eligibility checks, but were ruled out yesterday with heritage traced back to great grandparents.

 French coach John Monie, who has won premierships with the Eels and Wigan, will cut the squad to 24 in early October after the Super League Grand Final on October 4.

France have been drawn in Pool 2 with Fiji and Scotland; with Tonga, Samoa and Ireland in Pool 3; and Australia, England, NZ and Papua New Guinea in the “Super Pool”.

They will open their 2008 RLWC campaign against Scotland in Canberra on October 26 and will play Fiji in Wollongong on November 1.

The French have not played in a World Cup final since their 20-2 loss to Australia at the SCG in 1968. However, the rise of the Catalans Dragons under former St George Illawarra Dragons assistant coach and two-time Dally M winner Mick Potter, who has taken them from last place (12th) to 10th to third on the Super League ladder, has had a major impact on the game in France.

The 29-day 2008 RLWC tournament begins on October 25 with England and Papua New Guinea clashing in Townsville and ends with the already sold-out Final at Suncorp Stadium on November 22.
 
2008 FRANCE Rugby League World Cup Squad

 Coach: John Monie