Bradford Bulls' Australian-born full back Michael Withers says he will have no conflict of interest when he plays for Great Britain in the Ashes Series next month.

The 25-year-old former Australian Junior Player of the Year, who qualifies for Britain through his Irish grandparents, said: "I will try 100 per cent for Great Britain and try to win the series, and that is all I can do really".

Kangaroo coach Chris Anderson has poured scorn on Great Britain's decision to call up Withers.

Anderson, stunned when told of Withers' selection, said: "That's typical of the Poms. If they go back far enough they could probably take half our side."

Former Kangaroo great and current selector Arthur Beetson was more conciliatory, saying: "It happens in other sports, so why not? With due respect, he's probably never going to get picked for Australia, so this is a chance for him to play international football."

Withers explained: "Australia just happen to be the opponents, but I am not really fussed about that.

"I will probably get some serious ribbing from them, but that is all part of the game. It won't bother me.

"They are the best side in the world and we'll try and rise to their standards.

"But they haven't got a full-strength squad - they are young just like us - so, as Chris Anderson says, we have our best chance to beat them."

Added former Balmain player Withers: "I had an ambition to play for Australia when I was a kid, and I played for Australia Schoolboys and then the Under-19s who toured New Zealand, but now I am privileged to play for Great Britain.

"I never thought I would play for them though - simply because there are so many great players here.

"But wherever they play me I am sure I will play well - be it at full back or wherever."

Withers was one of two shock inclusions in the 24-strong Ashes squad named yesterday, the other being his clubmate, loose forward Mike Forshaw, who has overturned his decision to retire from international rugby league.

The party also includes five other Bulls players - props Paul Anderson and Stuart Fielden, scrum-half Paul Deacon, centre Leon Pryce and second row Jamie Peacock.

Wigan No 9 Terry Newton was named in the squad, even though he is unlikely to be fit for the first Test after suffering an arm fracture in Saturday's Grand Final defeat. He is due to have his cast off on the day of the first Test.

There is no place, however, for St Helens ace Keiron Cunningham, who is recovering from a hernia operation, and the Bulls' James Lowes was ruled out after undergoing minor keyhole surgery on his knee

Australia are likely to bring a 22-man squad to Britain for the three-Test series after Melbourne prop Robbie Kearns and Parramatta utility player Daniel Wagon declared their availability.

Parramatta second rower Nathan Hindmarsh (wrist) and Penrith hooker or scrum-half Craig Gower (knee) have been given until Monday, when the squad go into camp, to prove their fitness but both are doubtful.

World Cup scrum-half Brett Kimmorley, a surprise omission from the initial squad, is on stand-by for Gower.