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.

Rugby League: Ireland will be cast in the familiar role of underdogs as they launch their European Championship campaign against France in Dublin today, but this time they are not without hope.