Warrington forward Paul Wood was one of four uncapped players named by coach David Waite in Great Britain's squad for the three-Test rugby league series against Australia next month.

Castleford skipper Ryan Hudson, Wigan winger Brian Carney and Wakefield centre Gareth Ellis were the other newcomers in the 22-man squad but Wood's selection was the major surprise.

"He thought it was a wind-up when I rang him with the news," Waite said.

"He thought it was his mates having a go.

"It's a fantastic story. He has worked hard to come through and he has a specific role we believe he can perform for us."

While Wood bolted his way into the squad, there was no place for Bradford three-quarter Leon Pryce who appeared in court on a charge of unlawful wounding.

Pryce admitted in Teesside Crown Court he attacked Salford coach Edward McGuiness with a beer glass at the Walkabout bar in Bradford in September last year, leaving his victim, who had worked as a coach with Bradford, needing 48 stitches to 10 wounds.

St Helens pair Paul Wellens and Martin Gleeson were the other notable omissions from Waite's original train-on squad, along with Wigan-bound five-eighth Danny Orr.

Hudson, who had played for England A and Under-21s, will provide cover for Wigan's Terry Newton, who is the only specialist hooker in the squad following the withdrawal of Keiron Cunningham through injury.

Ellis, who earned selection in the 2003 Super League Dream Team after an impressive season for unfashionable Wakefield, is in line to win his first Test cap alongside Keith Senior.

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