Ireland’s NRL prop to appeal World Cup suspension

Ireland prop Jaimin Jollife will appeal his one-match ban for a high tackle during the Wolfhound’s defeat to Lebanon on Sunday.

The incident was deemed a Grade A offence by the Match Review Panel, ruling Jollife out of Ireland’s upcoming clash against New Zealand.

However, that may now not be the case with the Gold Coast Titans prop to appeal the charge in a hearing to be held tonight (Tuesday).

Ireland will be hopeful of a successful appeal having already lost Wigan Warriors forward Liam Byrne for the clash against the Kiwis.

Byrne was cited for two separate incidents during the game against Lebanon, both deemed dangerous contact and resulting in a two-match ban.

Having suffered defeat at the hands of Lebanon, Ireland must beat the world’s number one-ranked nation, New Zealand, to have any chance of qualifying.

The Wolfhounds comfortably beat Jamaica in their opening game, but were unable to overcome the Lebanese on Sunday, putting their hopes of qualification through the group in serious doubt.

The result means they must now beat the Kiwis to have any chance of qualifying, with Lebanon almost certain to beat Jamaica in the other game with the Reggae Warriors playing in their first-ever Rugby League World Cup.

New Zealand have won their opening two matches comfortably against Lebanon and Jamaica, and barring a miracle they will qualify for the quarter-finals.

Sunday’s game between Ireland and the Kiwis will be staged at Headingley Stadium in Leeds, with the game kicking off at 7.30pm.