Ireland internationals lift cup

Rugby League Ireland are hoping to replicate in the Rugby League World Cup Finals later this year what two of their long standing players achieved at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool last weekend when Salford Reds lifted the Northern Rail Cup after beating Doncaster 60-0 in the Final.

Stuart Littler, the Captain of the Irish World Cup qualifying team, stated “Hopefully we will be lifting another cup in Australia in four months time. I am really looking forward to the World Cup, hopefully Andy Kelly (Irelands Head Coach) will have been impressed by both mine and Fitzy’s (Karl Fitzpatrick) performance in the game. If we continue to play well then hopefully we can claim a place in Andy’s squad. Winning this has set my sights on success in Australia."

 Another Ireland International, Karl Fitzpatrick, added “Winning the final was a great boost for the City of Salford, the Chairman and all the staff at the club and most importantly for the fans who stick with us through thick and thin.” Karl continued “Hopefully the Ireland selectors watched today’s Final, and if selected I would be delighted to represent Ireland in the World Cup Finals.

Andy Kelly, Irelands Head Coach is expected to announce his 40 man training squad by the end of the month.

Ireland’s first fixture in the World Cup is against Tonga on Monday 27th October at Parramatta.

Prior to the Squad departing for the Finals, Rugby League Ireland will be holding a number of functions to help celebrate the sporting occasion. Tony Kenny RLI Commercial Director commented, “The World Cup is a massive sporting event and to help celebrate Irelands inclusion we are planning a number of events that will give the squad a great send off, details of which will be publicised very soon”.

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