Former Leeds stand-off Graham Holroyd’s debut for Ireland has been put on hold for at least nine days due to injury.

Captain Nathan Cayless, Lance Hohaia and Manu Vatuvei have all been cleared of injuries to line up for New Zealand in Sunday’s World Cup encounter with Australia in Sydney.

They were forced to fly at the back of the plane to Australia but Ireland’s unheralded squad believe they can finish at the sharp end of the Rugby League World Cup.

Former Wigan forward Mick Cassidy, who played for England in the 1995 World Cup, will bridge a 13-year gap when he represents Ireland in this year’s Rugby League tournament in Australia.

Great Britain forward Gareth Ellis tonight confirmed he is to leave Super League champions Leeds Rhinos at the end of the season to challenge himself in Australia’s National Rugby League.

Head coach Andy Kelly says Ireland will leave no stone unturned to ensure his team are competitive at the 2008 World Cup in Australia.

NEW Munster rugby signing Tim McGann of Australian provincial side Eastern Suburbs turned down a Super 14 contract with the NSW Waratahs in favour of the Heineken Cup champions.

New Zealand have included two British-based Kiwis and three uncapped players in their 19-man squad for Friday’s Test against Australia in Brisbane.

Two Australian rugby league players have tested positive for drugs following routine doping tests conducted by National Rugby League administrators.