New caps called into Irish rugby league side

Kilkenny Wildcats' Ian Dowling is one of a host of new caps in the Irish Wolfhounds squad for this weekend's Four Nations rugby league clash with England at Clontarf.

The talent in the Munster Conference was reflected in the squad chosen by Des Foy, Damien Welland and Declan Nash.

Nash was also named in the playing squad, one of five Treaty City Titans players selected.

There is also a call-up for East Coast Eagle Peter Cunningham, the scrum-half rewarded for his consistent performances in what has been an indifferent season for his side while Paul Power's prominent role in Waterford Vikings' season has resulted in his selection.

Experience is on hand in the form of Dublin City Exiles' John Sharp and Dublin Blues' Larry Faifua who are two of only four previously capped players in the squad.

Perhaps the biggest surprise, however, is the selection of only one Clontarf player despite the Bulls' 100% start to the season.

Phil Pardue will be the only Irish player on home ground at Castle Avenue although last weekend's hat-trick scorer, Daragh McElligott, is on standby.

Irish Wolfhounds Squad

Billy Treacy Treaty City Titans

John Sharpe Dublin City Exiles

Mike Brody Treaty City Titans

Kevin O’Riordan Treaty City Titans

Paul Power Waterford Vikings

Ian Dowling Kilkenny Wildcats

Declan Foy Kerry Kings

Bevan Cantrell Treaty City Titans

Peter Cunningham East Coast Eagles

Larry Faifua Dublin Blues

Brian O’Leary Kerry Kings

Carl Roche Dublin City Exiles

Simon Manuel Kilkenny Wildcats

Replacements

Liam Nevelling East Coast Eagles

Phil Pardue Clontarf Bulls

Vinny O’Shea Kilkenny Wildcats

Declan Nash Treaty City Titans