Exclusive: Manu may have big part to play for England

He gathered his squad together for a team bonding session with Royal Marine commandos in Liverpool on Tuesday and the explosive forward was a surprise face among the group.

Manu, 30, could soon qualify for England on residency grounds having originally moved to the UK when joining Castleford Tigers in 2006.

He is now in his fourth season with Hull and has recently signed a new two-year deal at the East Yorkshire club with Airlie Birds coach Richard Agar believing the ex-St George's player is in the best form of his career.

If McNamara does eventually call-up the robust Manu it is likely to cause plenty of controversy.

Predecessor Tony Smith created much debate after handing Samoan prop Maurie Fa'asavalu a Great Britain debut in 2007 and, the following year, taking him to a World Cup in which, ironically, Manu actually played for Tonga.

But McNamara, not short of quality back-rows with the likes of Gareth Ellis, Sam Burgess and Ben Westwood, does not fear making bold decisions.

He selected Australian-based Gareth Widdop for his debut against France last month after just two senior appearances with Melbourne Storm.

Another promising full-back – Ben Jones-Bishop – was also included in the England get-together earlier this week.

The talented 21-year-old is thriving on loan at Harlequins but will return to parent club Leeds Rhinos next season.

HUDDERSFIELD have signed ex-Australia international second-row Luke O'Donnell from North Queensland Cowboys on a four-year deal from next season.