Great Britain coach Tony Smith has named Samoan born Maurie Fa'asavalu in his 25-man squad for the forthcoming test series against New Zealand.

The St Helens back rower declared his interest in playing for the Lions a couple of months ago, after his British citizenship was awarded.

He is joined in the squad by Bradford's 18 year old starlet Sam Burgess, with other uncapped players coming in the shape of Michael Platt, Warrington's Jon Clarke and Leeds' Jamie Jones-Buchanan.

Smith said: "I believe this is a very strong squad, which is a nice blend of youth and experience, who are ready to face what will be three very difficult games against Gary Kemble's New Zealand.

"With the World Cup in Australia less than 12 months away I thought it important to bring in some new faces.

"By giving them an opportunity to be part of the squad now, and maybe feature in some of the games, I think we'll benefit from it greatly further down the line."

Great Britain face the Kiwis at Huddersfield on the 27th October, Hull on the 3rd November and Wigan on the 10th November.

Squad: Sam Burgess (Bradford Bulls), Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhinos), Jon Clarke (Warrington Wolves), Gareth Ellis (Leeds Rhinos), Marie Fa'asavalu (St Helens), Ade Gardner (St Helens), Martin Gleeson (Warrington Wolves), James Graham (St Helens), David Hodgson (Salford City Reds/Huddersfield Giants), Jamie Jones Buchanan (Leeds Rhinos), Danny McGuire (Leeds Rhinos), Adrian Morley (Warrington Wolves), Terry Newton (Bradford Bulls), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan Warriors), Jamie Peacock (Leeds Rhinos), Michael Platt (Bradford Bulls), Leon Pryce (St Helens), Gareth Raynor (Hull FC), James Roby (St Helens), Keith Senior (Leeds Rhinos), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos), Paul Wellens (St Helens), Stephen Wild (Huddersfield Giants), Jon Wilkin (St Helens), Kirk Yeaman (Hull FC)