Rugby League Coaching Manuals

Great Britain hooker Jon Clarke is among the players named in a 24-strong Cumbria squad for the match at Whitehaven's Recreation Ground on October 3 which will raise funds for the Rugby Football League's benevolent fund and the family of Garry Purdham, who was among the victims of the Cumbria shooting tragedy in June.

Purdham, who played for England in the 2008 World Cup, is thrilled to be involved in the match, which will be part of national coach Steve McNamara's preparations for the Four Nations Series in Australia and New Zealand.

"It's a massive thing to be involved in," said Purdham. "I'm looking forward to it immensely and all of Cumbria is.

"It's an unusual thing to have the England team up there and it's for a great cause. There will be a packed house and I'm hoping Cumbria can do the day justice."

Cumbria will be coached by Paul Crarey, with assistant coaches Gary Charlton of Workington and Whitehaven's David Seeds.

"Garry was a great friend of mine and this game is quite fitting, even though he wouldn't have wanted the fuss," said Seeds.

Also in the squad are young amateurs Rhys Davies and John Paul Brocklebank, both from Egremont Rangers - the club where Garry Purdham started and finished his career.

Spokesman Dave Bowden said: "It was felt at an early stage from everyone involved that representation in the Cumbrian squad should be from all the clubs Garry played for.

"It's a great opportunity for John Paul and Rhys to be part of the day and I'm sure Garry would have approved."

Cumbria: Calvert, McAvoy, M Jackson, Hill, S Miller, Mattinson, Sice (all Whitehaven); Frazer, Mossop, Low, Coward, Pedley (all Workington); Broadbent, Harrison, Campbell, McDermott (all Barrow); Davies, Brocklebank (both Egremont); R Purdham, Wilkes (both Harlequins); Amor (Leeds); McNally (Huddersfield); Clarke (Warrington); A Gardner (St Helens).