Five ones to watch for Ireland at the World Cup
With the 2017 Rugby League World Cup starting next week, we have named our ones to watch for Ireland at the tournament.
Ireland head coach Mark Aston named his 24-man squad a couple of weeks ago and it boasts a lot of Super League experience.
And it was difficult for us at Love Rugby League to pick the five main players to keep an eye out for this autumn.
TYRONE MCCARTHY (SALFORD RED DEVILS)
The 29-year-old has been fantastic for Salford Red Devils since arriving from NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons towards the back end of the 2017 campaign.
Tyrone McCarthy has played six games for the Red Devils, scoring two tries while making an average of just over 37 tackles per match. He is a good professional as well which is a bonus.
LIAM FINN (WAKEFIELD TRINITY)
The 33-year-old has been instrumental for Wakefield Trinity this season and is one of the most underrated half-backs in the competition. He is sure to make a good captain for Ireland.
Liam Finn has kicked 96 goals in 29 Super League appearances this campaign while also coming up with 17 assists and 598 tackles. He has got great vision and provides a level head.
BRAD SINGLETON (LEEDS RHINOS)
Some say that the 24-year-old prop was unlucky not to make it in the England squad following some world class displays in the Super 8s for Leeds Rhinos.
Brad Singleton made 262 carries and came up with 687 tackles in just 22 Super League games this season while also busting 16 tackles and making 1,646 metres.
MICKY MCILORUM (WIGAN WARRIORS)
The 29-year-old has had another solid year for Wigan Warriors in Super League and is, arguably, the player with the most experience in the Wolfhounds squad for the World Cup.
He is one of the best defenders in the competition and is a huge boost to the Cherry and Whites’ pack when in defence. He loves to catch teams out as well with quick carries from dummy-half.
LOUIE MCCARTHY-SCARSBROOK (ST HELENS)
The 31-year-old was an ever-present again in the Saints side this year. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook scored six tries in 28 appearances, mainly coming off the bench to make a big impact.
He likes to ruffle some feathers in the opposition, busting 30 tackles in the league, making 651 tackles as well as taking in 260 drives. It will probably be his last World Cup so he will be determined to leave his mark in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea this autumn.
Do you agree with our five ones to watch? Or should someone else be in the list? Let us know in the comments below.
