FOUR of Leigh Centurions' squad have been handed the chance to press their claims for places on the England Under 21s tour to South Africa later this year.

John Duffy, Lee Sanderson, Simon Svabic and Neil Turley have been named in an NFP Under 21s squad that will take on an Emerging England Super League side in a trial game next month.

The match will act as part of the selection process for the full Under 21s tour to South Africa.

A 24-man NFP squad was named this week before being trimmed to 17 for the game against their Super League counterparts.

Great Britain Under 21s coach John Kear says: "We've told the NFP players that up to 15 Super League players are automatic selections - players like Sinfield, Wellens, Walker and Fielden - who will walk in provided they are not injured or wanted by David Waite for the full Great Britain side.

"But we are taking a squad of 21 to South Africa, so there are still a few places to be filled."

Leigh's quartet are joined by five from Oldham and another four from Whitehaven. They have begun their initial preparations under coach for the game, Mike Gregory.

"To be fair to the NFP lads we've started their training now," Kear explains. "We've given them conditioning programmes to make sure they've got some match fitness.

"They're in a no lose situation. If somebody emerges as an absolute brilliant talent, then they'll end up going on the tour.

"The very worst that these kids will get is good conditioning programme for six weeks, so that when they start their NFP season they will be stronger, faster and fitter than they've ever been before.

A venue and date for the trial has yet to be confirmed, but it will take place in the first half of October.