By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 08:29, Thursday, 30 September 2010

Budding England star Shaun Lunt will turn out for Cumbria against Steve McNamara’s international outfit at the Recreation Ground on Sunday.

• Video: Cumbria players and coach look forward to the game

Shaun Lunt

The ex-Workington Town ace was initially named in the extended England squad for the match, played in memory of Garry Purdham.

But he will instead feature for his home county after enjoying another strong Super League season for Huddersfield Giants.

“It will be good to have him, as the more Super League experience we have the better, and he has been in top form this year,” said Cumbria skipper Rob Purdham, Garry’s brother.

“Going from NL2 with Workington, he’s done awesome. He hasn’t played as much dummy-half this year, but he always gives 100 per cent. Thirteen of them in the side and we would be hard to beat.”

Lunt, 24, became available to Cumbria after Huddersfield were denied a Super League Grand Final place by St Helens last Friday. The hooker, from Cockermouth, scored the Giants’ opening try and they trailed only 18-16 at the break before the hosts pulled clear to win 42-22.

Purdham sat out Cumbria’s first training session last week with a knock but will be fit for Sunday.

“It was nothing serious,” added the Harlequins captain, from Gosforth. “It had only been two weeks since I had played and there was no rush to train.”

Wilkes, from Ulverston, who like his skipper had a stint with Haven, will also feature against England.

n Haven’s proposed new fans trust will meet tonight at the Recre at 7pm. The trust will be established legally and committee members appointed.

First published at 11:38, Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk