Ireland Rugby League has named a strong looking train-on squad for their 2017 Rugby League World Cup European Pool B Qualifiers against Russia and Spain in October.

Included in Mark Aston’s initial 40-man party are 10 Super League players, including Wigan youngster Jack Higginson for the first time and a trio that have helped lift the League Leaders’ Shield with Warrington, brothers George and Toby King and Joe Philbin.

Veteran Stuart Littler has been included in what would be his rugby league swansong and there are 15 players from the domestic competition including Conor Mackey and Alan McMahon from champions Galway Tribesmen.

RL Ireland director Richard Egan commented: “Having been a part of the World Cup since 2000, RLI knows what a great spectacle the tournament is and what a fantastic experience it is for the players and squad members. We hope that qualification in 2017 will increase exposure in Ireland and further engagement by the local media to help us continue the development we have been working so hard to achieve.”

IRELAND 41-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Onisi Burekama, Gareth Gill, Paddy James, Connor Phillips (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), Adam Boyce, Sam Boyd, Chris Hall, Matt McKelvey (Belfast Met Scholars), Joe Keyes (Bradford Bulls), Haydn Peacock (Carcassonne), Rob Armstrong (Cork Bulls), James Kelly, Mikey Russell (Dublin City Exiles), Colton Roche (Featherstone Rovers), Conor Mackey, Alan McMahon (Galway Tribesmen), Luke Ambler (Halifax), Scott Grix, Gene Ormsby, Oliver Roberts (Huddersfield Giants), Matthew Cahoon, Jordan Hyltan (Ireland Students), Bob Beswick, Greg McNally (Leigh Centurions), Casey Dunne, Wayne Kerr (Longhorns RL), Will Hope, Michael Ward (Oldham Roughyeds), James Hasson (Parramatta Eels), Adam Docherty (Portadown Pumas), Danny Bridge (Redcliffe Dolphins), Matty Hadden (Rochdale Hornets), Gareth O’Brien (Salford Red Devils), Shannon McDonnell (St Helens), Stuart Littler (Swinton Lions), Liam Finn (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), George King, Toby King, Joe Philbin (Warrington Wolves), Dave Allen (Whitehaven), Jack Higginson (Wigan Warriors)