A number of Super League players featured as Ireland defeated Scotland in a Test match over the weekend.
George King, who has just swapped East Hull for Huddersfield, captained the victorious Irish side, scoring along the way as they won 36-6 in Gateshead.
Other try-scorers included King’s future Giants teammates Aidan McGowan and Harry Rushton, while a double from Bradford Bulls half Joe Keyes and a try from York Knights man James Farrar rounded out the scoring for Ireland.
Scotland’s lone try was from Matty Fletcher, of Hunslet.
Other Super League names featuring were Lewis Wing of Hull KR and Keanan Brand of Leigh Leopards for Ireland whilst Warrington Wolves youngster Isaac Reid played for Scotland.
However, notable absentees included brothers Louis and Innes Senior of Castleford Tigers of Ireland, who didn’t play despite being named in the extended squad.
It was the first Ireland international since the 2022 World Cup, and it was just the third meeting between the nations over the last decade.
Super League players star in rare international fixture: the reaction
Credit: Imago Images
After being named captain of Ireland, George King said:” Nothing beats wearing the green jersey; the passion and honour you feel are like no other.
“Shoulder to shoulder alongside your brothers, these are memories better than dreams.”
After the game, Ireland men’s head coach, Ged Corcoran, said: “I was really pleased and proud of the boys after only three sessions together.
It’s two years since this squad last played together, but they care about this jersey and their country which makes my job easy.”
Scotland head coach Nathan Graham added: “The penalty count of 7-2 against us in the first half didn’t help.
“We were under the pump possession-wise and ran out of steam in the second half. All credit to our guys, we had nine young debutants and that’s a massive bonus for Scotland Rugby League.”
It seems that the two sides will face each other again next year, with Scotland RL’s Twitter saying “See you next year”, congratulating Ireland on the win.
Another storyline from the game was that it was Dale Ferguson’s final match as a Scotland player, calling time as the nation’s most-capped player, something that Ireland head coach Ged Corcoran claimed was a big reason why the nations arranged for the fixture.
Big shout out to @fergiefergz12 for signing off as most capped @scotlandrl player. This was another reason why I wanted @Irelandrl to play this fixture to recognise such a great achievement and servant to he’s country. Congrats my mate and enjoy the accolades ☘️🇮🇪💚🏴💙👊🏼👍🏼
— Ged Corcoran🇮🇪 (@RugbyGed13) October 28, 2024
