Ireland include Wire’s King brothers

Ireland have named their 22-man squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers, and have included George and Toby King from Warrington.

Shannon McDonnell of St Helens is also selected, as is Scott Grix. Joe Philbin also joins his Warrington team-mates in the squad.

The captain is Wakefield half back Liam Finn, who is relishing the chance to once again wear the green.

“I’m looking forward to playing and captaining Ireland in the World Cup qualifiers once more,” he said.

“Nothing will surpass the pride I have to play for Ireland alongside some of my closest friends.

“It’s a tough ask in terms of logistics but luckily, once we get together as a team all that matters is enjoyment of rugby and our togetherness.

“To qualify for next year’s World Cup is our goal and to get there essential, in my opinion, for the continued development of rugby league in Ireland.

“Hopefully we get the chance of a lifetime to play in Australia and I’m sure the qualifying games will live to expectation.

“Ní Neart Go Cur Le Chéile. (No strength without unity).”

IRELAND 22-MAN SQUAD

Gareth Gill (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), Chris Hall (Belfast Met Scholars), Joe Keyes (Bradford Bulls), James Kelly, Mikey Russell (Dublin City Exiles), Alan McMahon (Galway Tribesmen), Luke Ambler (Halifax), Oliver Roberts (Huddersfield Giants), Matthew Cahoon (Ireland Students), Greg McNally (Leigh Centurions), Casey Dunne (Longhorns RL), Will Hope (Oldham Roughyeds), James Hasson (Parramatta Eels), Danny Bridge (Redcliffe Dolphins), Matty Hadden (Rochdale Hornets), Shannon McDonnell (St Helens), Liam Finn, Scott Grix (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), George King, Toby King, Joe Philbin (Warrington Wolves), Dave Allen (Whitehaven)