Munnelly hopes to be fit to play in opening test after injury

ROSS MUNNELLY remains hopeful of playing in tomorrow's opening test of the International Rules Series against Australia in Perth.

Munnelly sustained a dead leg in training mid-week and is under extensive physiotherapy in an effort to be passed fit for the encounter at the Subiaco Oval.

It's doubly frustrating as he availed of some rugby coaching last month in a bid to familiarise himself with the type of tackle used in the international game.

The irony is that, as a result of the moral support he has received from everyone associated with the group, he has gained a greater appreciation of the special 'team atmosphere' which has been building up steadily since the squad's arrival in Perth.

"I knew it was serious, it was pretty sore at the time,'' he explained. Treatment from the team physio, Owen O'Neill, complemented by swimming exercise and regular 'icing', brought an improvement. And, being able to play a small part in training last evening offered him further encouragement.

"It was a horrible realisation sitting on the sideline with an ice-pack on my leg and thinking I might not get to be involved on Friday night. But, the support from everyone has been top-class. Pete (McGrath) has been in regular contact, along with Padraic Joyce. Everyone seems to be concerned. It's really adding to the team atmosphere from my point of view to see how much fellows care.

"Even if it's only a regular injury, whether I am involved or not, it's great to be out here and hopefully the team can do the business. Obviously, I'm going to have to train some time before Friday if I am to be included. We'll play it hour by hour until then and keep the treatment going.''

When announcing the squad in Croke Park three weeks ago, the Irish manager quoted Munnelly's enthusiasm as an example of the commitment he was receiving from the players. A contact in Carlow offered to help Munnelly with the tackling.

"It was more so to avoid the tackling,'' Munnelly said. "We did some work on the tackling itself and positioning. It was a bit difficult for him because in this game, you can only tackle from the waist to the shoulder. You couldn't land on someone's back!

"A lot of work was done on side-stepping and actually avoiding the tackle. That's going to be very important for me if I am to play any part out here - to play my normal game of letting the ball off and that's obviously going to be very important.

"I suppose with the coaching I have got with Micko (O'Dwyer) over the years, it has always been to lay the ball off first time. Hopefully that will stand to me if I am included!''

*With the Irish management opting for a training session under lights last evening in the Subiaco Oval, where the game will take place, Munnelly was confined to light exercises. He should know in another 24 hours whether or not he will be ruled in or out of the panel. The Australian squad also trained there, earlier in the afternoon and it was overseen by members of the Irish management.