Ireland must stun New Zealand to keep Rugby League World Cup hopes alive

After packing in his job to play in the World Cup, Michael Ward knows Ireland will have to pull off one of the biggest sporting upsets of all time if he's to get game time

LAST CHANCE SALOON: Liam Byrne of Ireland, centre, looks dejected after the Rugby League World Cup Group C match between Lebanon and Ireland at Leigh Sports Village in Manchester, England. Pic: Paul Greenwood/Sportsfile

After packing in his job to play in the World Cup, Michael Ward knows Ireland will have to pull off one of the biggest sporting upsets of all time if he is to stand a chance of getting a game in the tournament.

The 31-year-old prop with Championship Grand Final runners-up Batley quit his full-time job as a maths teacher so that he could devote himself to the Irish cause for the duration of the tournament.