Tate, Kennedy omitted
by
Saturday November 27, 2004

Centre Brent Tate and back-rower Ben Kennedy have been omitted from the final line-up for Sunday's Tri-Nations grand final against Great Britain in Leeds.

Both men had been included in an extended 19-man squad named by coach Wayne Bennett earlier this week, but were dropped from the final line-up overnight when the squad was finalised.

Workhorse backrower Craig Fitzgibbon has been dropped to the bench to may way for Bulldogs forward Andrew Ryan, after Fitzgibbon failed to impress in the 24-12 loss to the Lions two weeks ago.

Bennett told AAP that Ryan had earned a starting berth in the final after showing great form on the tour.

"He adds a little bit of variety to our game. He's got a little bit of footwork that helps sometime out there. I think he's played well," Bennett said.

Melbourne's Scott Hill has made way for the return of skipper Darren Lockyer in the only other change to the line-up.

Lockyer missed two matches in the series due to a rib injury, but showed very impressive form against France last weekend and will start in the five-eighth position.

He will also assume goalkicking responsibilities for the match with regular sharpshooter Crag Fitzgibbon playing off the bench.

The full squad is:

1. Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters)
2. Luke Rooney (Penrith Panthers)
3. Shaun Berrigan (Brisbane Broncos)
4. Willie Tonga (Canterbury Bulldogs)
5. Matt Sing (North Queensland Cowboys)
6. Darren Lockyer (c) (Brisbane Broncos)
7. Brett Kimmorley (Cronulla Sharks)
8. Shane Webcke (Brisbane Broncos)
9. Danny Buderus (Newcastle Knights)
10. Petero Civoniceva (Brisbane Broncos)
11. Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels)
12. Andrew Ryan (Canterbury Bulldogs)
13. Tonie Carroll (Brisbane Broncos)

14. Mark O'Meley (Canterbury Bulldogs)
15. Craig Fitzgibbon (Sydney Roosters)
16. Willie Mason (Canterbury Bulldogs)
17. Craig Wing (Sydney Roosters)