Ireland name team for Kiwi clash as Leeds Rhinos man misses out and St Helens prop comes in

As Ireland go in search of a miracle tonight, they have named their 17.

Ireland need a win to give themselves hope of making the quarterfinals in place of Lebanon who defeated them last week in a disappointing afternoon at the Leigh Sports Village for the Irish.

However, the world’s current number one ranked team stand in their way.

Hoping to do the impossible, Ireland will have to beat the Kiwis at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium tonight to give themselves any hope of making the last eight which some tipped them for at the start of the tournament.

To do that, Ireland have maintained the same set of backs.

Richie Myler starts at fullback with the Senior twins on the wings. Wigan Warriors bound Toby King joins Leigh Leopards’ Ed Chamberlain in the centres.

Halifax Panthers’ Joe Keyes partners three time NRL winner Luke Keary in the halves.

The problem is in the pack with their two first choice props including Wigan’s Liam Byrne banned.

So Hull KR man George King moves to the front row and captains the side as Ronan Michael, formerly of Huddersfield Giants, moves to 13.

James Bentley and Frankie Halton start in the back row.

Leeds Rhinos signing James McDonnell misses out but Huddersfield’s new recruit Harry Ruston doesn’t.

Theres no Rob Mulhern but St Helens Dan Norman gets a place in the side.

☘️ 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘-𝗨𝗣 𝗩𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗭𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗

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Here is how Ireland shape up to take on the Kiwis!

Michael starts at loose, captain G. King lines up with Hasson & Cook in the front row

Let’s give our all, Wolfhounds!#IrelandRL • #RLWC2021 pic.twitter.com/u9It4ehI0m

— Rugby League Ireland (@Irelandrl) October 28, 2022