New Zealander Shontayne Hape has been like a child in a candy store this week.

The 24-year-old Bradford Bulls centre has found out that a Super League Anzac (Australia and New Zealand) Select XIII will play a mid-season clash against Great Britain.

And Hape, who played at loose forward as the Kiwis beat Australia in last season's Tri-Nations final, seems certain to be in the combined side for the match, which will probably be on a Tuesday night in July.

Hape said: "I am really looking forward to it and I expect Lesley Vainikolo to be in the team as well but whether Joe Vagana will be depends on who is selecting the side.

"The banter at Bradford between the Great Britain lads and the Anzac boys should be good."

Also eligible from the Bulls are three Australians - centre Ben Harris and second rows Chris McKenna and Brad Meyers.

The match was one of Great Britain coach Brian Noble's wishes as they prepare for the end-of-season Tri-Nations tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

It is believed that the contest, which has been pencilled in for St Helens' Knowsley Road ground, will have a winner-takes-all prize fund to give it some extra bite. The announcement of the fixture has come from the fall-out of the resignation of Great Britain team manager Phil Clarke.

He was unhappy with the preparation time allowed by the Rugby Football League for the end-of-season internationals, and reckoned that Australia and New Zealand's sides had an advantage there.

Noble will not be quoted over Clarke's comments, however, saying: "I don't wash my dirty linen in public."