Rugby league legend Alex Murphy today branded Michael Withers' Lions selection as a "joke".

The Bulls' Aussie-born full-back has won a place in the British squad for the Ashes Test series against the Kangaroos which starts on Sunday, November 11, in Huddersfield.

But now Murphy has slammed Withers' inclusion which is based on the fact his grandparents are Irish.

"The eligibility rules are a joke," Murphy said. "You should be 100 per cent Australian or 100 per cent British, and not come in the back door with your grandad, grandma or your Uncle Ted.

"Withers has done exceptionally well for Bradford. But I always thought when you are born an Aussie, you are an Aussie. The most important thing for Australia and England, and rugby league itself, is getting (Kangaroo) tours back on and not making a joke of it."

Mal Reilly, a former GB coach, has described Withers' selection as "another nail in the coffin" for the British game.

"It's embarrassing," he said. "I can-not believe the powers that be have allowed it.

"Can you imagine Australia selecting a Great Britain player? The media and public would crucify the administrators. The people who made the decision are bang out of order. I'm bewildered."

Withers has vowed to ignore the controversy that greeted his Lions selection, stating: "I will try 100 per cent for Great Britain and try and win the series and that is all I can do really."