Morrison: Collis and Smith could have joined Mellars in Exiles squad

Wildcats centre Vince Mellars has been named as a surprise inclusion for next Wednesday's second International Origin match at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium.

And Australian Morrison, who's involved in the Exiles coaching set-up, has revealed that both Dean Collis and Tim Smith were in-line to be in Daniel Anderson's 25-man squad.

Collis will miss out due to a collarbone injury that will keep him out for three weeks while Smith wants more family time after becoming a father this week.

"We were looking at calling them in for the last game as well," Morrison revealed.

"Deano has been struggling with an injury so he didn't play last game because of that. The injury is now worse than we thought so he's had to pull out. It's obviously good for Timmy that he's just had a baby but unfortunate that he won't be able to get to play in the game."

Mellars, 28, is one of eleven potential debutants for the Exiles. And the New Zealander has what it takes to make an impression on the international stage, according to Morrison, who played for the Exiles last season before announcing his retirement from playing.

"He's a big, strong boy; that's what you look for in representative teams, especially in the centres," he said.

"If they're big, strong, run hard and defend well then they're going to go well in representative footy. Sometimes the smaller boys that maybe have a bit of flair get overlooked in representative sides just because size is an important thing."

Wildcats hooker Paul Aiton had been mentioned as a possible Exiles player and Morrison says it's unfortunate that he's missed out.

"Paul, for me, has been a stand-out player for us," he said.

"The problem is that David Faiumu was in the side last year and he's in a similar sort of role, he can come off the bench and play hooker or loose-forward. Dave did a great job last year and was involved in the first game so he gets first priority."

Morrison added: "I'm sure if there are injuries Paul will be straight into the squad."

See this week's Wakefield Express for all the latest sports news from around the district.