Holroyd blow for Ireland

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

The 33-year-old, who broke Halifax’s goalkicking record this year, has been ruled out of Ireland’s opening Pool Three match against Tonga at Parramatta Stadium in Sydney on Monday with a knee problem.

Squad captain Scott Grix is set to take over alongside scrum-half Karl Fitzpatrick, with Holroyd facing a race against time to be fit for Ireland’s second group match against Samoa on November 5.

“He’s certainly going to miss Sunday’s game but the medical staff are working on him and we are hoping he will be right for the Samoa game,” said coach Andy Kelly.

Kelly today named a 19-man squad, which he will trim to a final 17 on Sunday, and put them through an opposed limited contact session against Jim Beam Cup team The Mounties tonight at Sydney’s Cook Park.

Tonga coach Jim Dymock named his team today without NRL duo Fuifui Moimoi and Taniela Tuiaki, who have so far been prevented by the International Federation from switching allegiance from New Zealand.

Even without the high-profile pair, Tonga are able to boast a side packed with stars from the NRL and Super League players Awen Guttenbeil (Castleford), Tevita Leo-Latu (Wakefield) and Willie Manu (Hull).

Ireland (from): B Beswick (Widnes), D Blanch (Wakefield), M Cassidy (Barrow), G Corcoran (Sheffield), L Doran (Leigh), L Finn (Dewsbury), S Finnigan (Bradford), K Fitzpatrick (Salford), S Gleeson (Wakefield), S Grix (Wakefield, capt), G Haggerty (Harlequins), B Harrison (Warrington), W Kerr (Carlow Crusaders), S Littler (Salford), M McIlorum (Wigan), E O’Carroll (Wigan), M Platt (Bradford), P Richards (Wigan), R Tandy (Wests Tigers).

Tonga: F Talanoa (South Sydney); C Vuna (Newcastle), M Jennings (Penrith), E Uasisele (Parramatta), E Tonga (Gold Coast); F Mateo (Parramatta), J Taufa’ao (South Sydney); A Kaufusi (Melbourne), T Leo-Latu (Wakefield), A Guttenbeil (Castleford), L Paea (Sydney Roosters, capt), R Fa’aoso (Newcastle), W Manu (Hull).

Subs: M Manuokafoa (South Sydney), S Moa (Wests Tigers), E Lauaki (New Zealand Warriors), E Uaisele (Parramatta).