Coach Matthew Elliott has slammed speculation that Bradford Bulls pair Stuart Spruce and James Lowes will be shunned by Great Britain boss Andy Goodway for November's three-match Test series with New Zealand.

Goodway will not his reveal his hand officially until after the Grand Final on October 24 but a press report said to be based on sources close to the camp claims there will be no Odsal representatives in the 26-man party.

But an astounded Elliott said: "It just doesn't make any sense at all. Stuart has just been outstanding all year and Jimmy has really hit his form in the last few weeks after injury problems.

"The Kiwis would love it if someone with Jimmy's competitive nature was missing because they won't relish tangling with him.

"I am struggling to take the report seriously because Mike Forshaw must also be a very strong contender.

"If the Great Britain coaching staff are working on the basis that we are only fifth in the table it doesn't hold water because players with lower placed clubs are in the squad.

"It is still too early to be talking about form players for a series in November and I can't believe the door is closed with so many key games coming up."

Lowes, Spruce and Forshaw, Steve McNamara and Brian McDermott were included in the squad to face the Aussies last Autumn although Spruce played no part in the series due to injury.

New Bulls prop Harvey Howard is also hoping to force his way into contention for an international recall having returned to the country from Australia on a short term deal.

Meanwhile Elliott is unsure whether McDermott will be available for Sunday night's televised visit to Wigan (6.35pm).

McDermott has been troubled by a knee injury for some weeks but was finally forced to take a rest for the win over Warrington.

"While I admire Brian's courage for playing on it has been a hindrance on the performances he has been able to put in.

"He had a huge amount of fluid drained off the knee last week and we will just have to see how he progresses this week.

"But the important thing is to try and get everyone at their peak for the play-offs."

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