Six Tackles: Greatest Ireland internationals in Super League era

Drew Darbyshire

We take a look at the best Ireland internationals to play in the Super League era.

We have included players who have also played for Great Britain but we have excluded those who have played for other countries.

Pat Richards

The 36-year-old was excellent for Wigan Warriors in Super League. He scored 167 tries and kicked 898 goals in 244 games for the Cherry and Whites. Richards played for Ireland in the 2008 and 2013 World Cups, scoring three tries and 11 goals in seven appearances.

Liam Finn

The 34-year-old has been one of the most underrated players in Super League for a couple of years now. He has been in the Ireland set-up since 2007 and is one of the first names on the teamsheet. Finn has played 24 games for the Wolfhounds, scoring six tries and kicking 39 goals. He has played in the last three World Cups.

Brian Carney

The 41-year-old was born in Cork and enjoyed an illustrious career. His best period in Super League came with Wigan, with him scoring 48 tries in 110 appearances. He earned four caps for Ireland in the 2000 World Cup and also played 14 games for Great Britain, scoring eight tries. He also played four games for Ireland in rugby union.

Damien Blanch

The 34-year-old was a clinical winger in Super League between 2006 and 2013 for Castleford Tigers, Widnes Vikings, Wakefield Trinity and Catalans Dragons, scoring a total of 82 tries in 133 games. He represented Ireland at the 2008 and 2013 World Cups, scoring nine tries in nine appearances.

Scott Grix

Like Finn, the 33-year-old has been in the Ireland set-up for over 10 years now. He is currently in his second stint with Wakefield and spent six glorious years at Huddersfield Giants. Grix has played 14 games for Ireland and featured in the 2008, 2013 and 2017 World Cups.

Terry O’Connor

The 46-year-old Sky Sports pundit had a brilliant career. He made over 300 appearances for Wigan and also played over 50 games for Widnes Vikings in Super League. O’Connor played 14 games for Great Britain and also earned 11 caps for Ireland between 1996 and 2005. He is one of the best front-rowers to play in the Super League era.