Irish wing Alan McMahon, hopes today’s big World Cup qualifying game against Russia at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray (5pm), will provide him with further opportunity to develop his new-found career in Rugby League.

BLACKPOOL Panthers’ three-quarter Gary Rourke has been suspended until September 25 after being found guilty of taking a banned substance by the Rugby Football League.

SUPERSTITION — ’tis an awful curse. For those of us who labour under its heavy yoke, life becomes a bizarre procession of ritual and counter-ritual, all designed to ensure the best possible outcome to whatever challenge is placed in front of us.