St Helens back rower James Bentley and Hull prop Lewis Bienek are among the new faces named in head coach Stuart Littler's first Ireland rugby league squad.

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.

Rockchapel 2-10 Tadhg MacCárthaigh’s 1-10

Tadhg Mac Cárthaigh 0-21 St Oliver Plunkett’s 1-16 (aet)

THE Republic of Ireland schools team will bid to retain the Centenary Shield tonight when they take on Northern Ireland at Century Homes Park, Monaghan (7pm).