Date: 7/10/17
Rugby League Ireland have announced their squad for the upcoming World Cup and there is an exciting look to the squad which has a mix of seasoned Irish internationals, previous members of the squad, domestic players and new recruits.
Mark Aston has kept the core squad together that have been a part of the last few European Championships and the players that qualified for the tournament last Autumn.
The evergreen Liam Finn and Scott Grix lead the side out as captain and vice-captain and they have over 20 years experience now playing for Ireland.
Irish born NRL and Super League giant James Hasson leads out an impressive pack that includes youngsters like Brad Singleton, the King brothers and Joe Philbin of Warrington who impressed in the qualifiers, as well as Kyle Amor, Anthony Mullally, Tyrone McCarthy and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook who bring real quality and experience to the side.
The hooker position sees Michael McIlorum return to the Wolfhounds after a long absence and his direction and aggression will be a huge asset.
Youth is a key part of the squad and players like Liam Kay, Jack Higginson, Ollie Roberts and Will Hope are likely to star for Ireland into the future.
The domestic competition has got a greater involvement this time round and Matty Hadden features again after being involved in 2013 and is selected alongside James Kelly, Casey Dunne and Alan McMahon who have been central to the growth of the game in Ireland. Mikey Russell is also involved in the party and will travel as a reserve.
| Name Club |
| 1. Liam Finn (C) Wakefield Wildcats 2. Scott Grix (V.C) Wakefield Wildcats 3. James Hasson Wakefield Wildcats 4. Kyle Amor St. Helens 5. Liam Kay Toronto Wolf Pack 6. Will Hope Sheffield Eagles 7. Oliver Roberts Huddersfield Giants 8. Ed Chamberlain Widnes Vikings 9. George King Warrington Wolves 10. Toby King Warrington Wolves 11. Joe Keyes Bradford Bulls 12. Joe Philbin Warrington Wolves 13. Jack Higginson Wigan Warriors 14. Anthony Mullally Leeds Rhinos 15. Tyrone McCarthy Salford City Reds 16. Brad Singleton Leeds Rhinos 17. Micky McIlorum Wigan Warriors 18. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook St. Helens 19. Api Pewhairangi London Broncos 20. Matty Hadden Rochdale Hornets 21. Shannon McDonnell Camden Rams 22. Casey Dunne Longhorns RL 23. James Kelly Sheffield Eagles 24. Alan McMahon Waterford Vikings 25. Mikey Russell – (Travelling Reserve) – Coventry Bears Staff Mark Aston – Head Coach Ged Corcoran – Assistant Coach Ryan Sheridan – Assistant Coach Kane Daniels – S&C Coach Kat Dawson – Physiotherapst Brian Moore – Kitman Brett White – RLWC Team Liason Officer Richard Egan – Team Manager Andrew Hipsley / Liam West – Team Doctors |
Ireland’s pool games are:
· Ireland v Italy, Sunday 29th Oct, Cairns
· Ireland v PNG, Sunday 5th Nov, Port Moresby
· Ireland v Wales, Sunday 12th Nov, Perth
The Irish team are sponsored by McGettigan’s and a super prize is on offer of a holiday to Dubai, including flights and accommodation at the luxurious Bonnington Hotel. Tickets are on sale via This Link
