World Cup stars on show against Wales

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Coach Tony Smith, as expected, rests all 15 Leeds and St Helens players from last Saturday's Super League Grand Final while Warrington prop Adrian Morley is still recovering from a stomach muscle injury.

"Martin (Gleeson) is just about the most experienced person in the squad and he's been leading the team naturally in the last few weeks," said Smith.

"I like to sit back and see who the natural leaders are and he's stepped up to the mark. It's a mark of his maturity and how far he's come.

"I'm sure he'd be the first to admit he's had a couple of chequered markers in the past but he's well past that and thoroughly deserves the captaincy."

Morley, who is expected to be fit for England's opening World Cup match against Papua New Guinea in Townsville on October 25, would have been a strong candidate to captain Friday's team in the absence of the rested Jamie Peacock.

That honour now goes to his Warrington team-mate Gleeson, who will captain a team for the first time and also start the match at stand-off in partnership with Salford teenager Richard Myler.

Gleeson, 28, who was once banned from the game for betting on the outcome of a match involving his team, admitted he is a changed man.

"It's a real honour to be appointed captain," he said. "I've never done it before but I have matured over the last couple of years and I do take a senior role on the training field.

"I see it as a natural progression and I will relish it. I just want to put in a real good performance and set the standards and hopefully take that to Australia."