Scotland and Ireland have named their squads for Sunday’s men’s senior international at Gateshead International Stadium (kick off 2pm, local time). Both nations are coming off matches with the Netherlands, a domestic-only Bravehearts side going down 34-26, while Ireland won 30-28.
They have met variously at age group, wheelchair and student level in recent seasons, but their last senior men’s meeting was six years ago in the European Championship at the Morton Stadium in Santry, Ireland winning 36-10.
Scotland men’s head coach, Natham Graham, commented: “We missed out on games last year so it was important to get this on. We have a relatively new looking squad with ten potential debutants so it's exciting for them and I know they will bring a lot of positive energy to the group. It should be a tough battle, I'm really looking forward to seeing the lads perform and representing Scotland Rugby League with pride and passion."
Scotland skipper Dale Ferguson is set to win his 23rd cap, leaving him one behind record holder Danny Brough.
Keenan Brand, Riley Dean and Aidan McGowan are in line to make their Wolfhounds debuts. “I’m pleased and excited to be back around my players, especially as it’s been two years since our last competitive fixture together,” said Ireland men’s head coach, Ged Corcoran. “We’ve had a great week’s preparation reconnecting with our roots.
“There is a real buzz around our squad especially with the lads who have been promoted to our senior squad from our pathways (19’s & ‘A’s) programme. I’m really looking forward to seeing how we manage under pressure, it’s great to be back playing international games.”
Ireland skipper, George King, noted: “I can’t remember all the games I’ve played for my clubs, but I can remember ever game I played for my country. Nothing beats wearing the green jersey, the passion and the honour you get is like no other, shoulder to shoulder alongside your brothers.”
SCOTLAND SQUAD
Brett Carter, Charlie Emslie (Barrow Raiders), Dale Ferguson (Dewsbury Rams), Peter Burns (Edinburgh Eagles), Matty Fletcher, Ross Whitmore (Hunslet RLFC), Oscar Thomas (Keighley Cougars), Cameron Cullen (Leeds Beckett University), Hayden Cumming (Mackay Magpies), Keiron Moran (Midlands Hurricanes), Ben Morris (Northumbria University), Izaac Farrell, Bayley Liu (Sheffield Eagles), Jacob Grierson (Siddal), Joe Lowe (Tonneins Phoenix), Isaac Reid (Warrington Wolves), Guy Graham (Whitehaven RLFC), Johnny Hutton (Workington Town), Jack Teanby (York RLFC)
IRELAND SQUAD
Michael Ward (Batley Bulldogs), Jamie Gill, Joe Keyes, Ronan Michael (Bradford Bulls), Liam O’Callaghan, (Cornwall), Ryan Hogg (Dublin City Exiles), Zack McComb (Halifax Panthers), Aaron Lynch (Haresfinch), Aidan McGowan, George King, Harry Rushton (Huddersfield Giants), Ethan O’Hanlon (Hunslet RLFC), Lewis Wing (Hull KR), Keanan Brand, (Leigh Leopards), Sam Winney (London Broncos), Riley Dean, Pat Moran (Oldham), Stephen Cahill, (Tullamore Rugby Club), James Farrar (York RLFC)