Ireland names team for League opener

Ireland will have 10 Super League players in their team to take on Tonga in their World Cup opening pool C match against Tonga at Parramatta Stadium tomorrow.

Irish born-duo Wayne Kerr and Ged Corcoran were the two players omitted from coach Andy Kelly’s initial squad when he finalised his line-up.

“It’s disappointing for Wayne and Ged to miss out after being included in the 19-man squad on Friday but the fact they were selected shows they’re not far away,” said Kelly.

Captain Scott Grix, who has appeared mostly at full-back or on the wing for Wakefield this year, will play at stand-off in the absence of the injured Graham Holroyd.

Ireland: M Platt (Bradford); D Blanch (Wakefield), S Gleeson (Wakefield), S Littler (Salford), P Richards (Wigan); S Grix (Wakefield, capt), K Fitzpatrick (Salford); E O’Carroll (Wigan), B Beswick (Widnes), R Tandy (Wests Tigers), B Harrison (Warrington), L Doran (Leigh), S Finnigan (Bradford).

Subs: M McIlorum (Wigan), L Finn (Dewsbury), G Haggerty (Harlequins), M Cassidy (Barrow).