Great Britain head coach Wayne Bennett has named a 29-man performance squad ahead of the team's first tour since 2006.

The Lions will travel to New Zealand and Papua New Guinea for a four-match series in October and November, following the conclusion of the Super League season.

Great Britain's first appearance on the international stage in 12 years will come on October 26, when the Lions face Tonga in Hamilton before two Tests against New Zealand and a final match against Papua New Guinea.

No NRL players have been included in Bennett's selection, with five players from outside of the most-recent England performance squad having been named.

Ash Handley has been handed an opportunity on the back of an impressive season for Leeds Rhinos, while St Helens duo Lachlan Coote and Morgan Knowles, who have represented Scotland and Wales respectively, are also included.

Ireland international Joe Philbin has made the cut, as has Salford Red Devils second row Josh Jones, though Matty Lees, Tom Johnstone and Luke Gale miss out through injury.

Wigan Warriors captain Sean O'Loughlin is involved and is one of two players to have represented Great Britain previously, along with James Roby.


Great Britain squad in full:

Jake Trueman, Liam Watts, Sam Tomkins, Jermaine McGillvary, Jake Connor, Jamie Shaul, Scott Taylor, Ash Handley, Stevie Ward, Jonny Lomax, Tommy Makinson, Mark Percival, James Roby, Luke Thompson, Alex Walmsley, Morgan Knowles, Lachlan Coote, Josh Jones, Reece Lyne, Blake Austin, Josh Charnley, Daryl Clark, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Oliver Gildart, Sean O'Loughlin, George Williams.