Kelly names European Cup squad

Five players from the domestic game have been named in Ireland's 20-man squad for the Rugby League European Cup.

Injuries have denied Andy Kelly the services of world cup players Sean Gleeson, Gareth Haggerty and Eamon O’Carroll but Scott Grix, who today finalised a move from Wakefield to Huddersfield, continues to captain the side.

The Irish-based players to join him are John Coleman (Dublin City Exiles), Brendan Guilfoyle (Treaty City Titans), Paddy Barcoe (Carlow Crusaders), Tim Bergin (Laois Panthers), Stevie Gibbons (Carlow Crusaders).

Castleford’s Ryan Boyle and Luke Ambler of Leeds get their first call-ups to the squad, as does Warrington’s Challenge Cup-winning backrower Tyrone McCarthy.

Kelly’s side opens its campaign against Serbia in Tullamore on October 18th and will face Wales in Pontypridd on November 1st.

Squad: Scott Grix (Wakefield, capt), Bob Beswick (Halifax), Liam Harrison (Barrow), Karl Fitzpatrick (Salford), Liam Finn (Dewsbury), Luke Ambler (Leeds), Marcus St Hilaire (Oldham), Pat Richards (Wigan), Mick McIlorum (Wigan), Tyrone McCarthy (Warrington), Jason Golden (Harlequins), Wayne Kerr (Oldham), Dave Allen (Barrow), Sean Hesketh (York), Ryan Boyle (Castleford), John Coleman (Dublin City Exiles), Brendan Guilfoyle (Treaty City Titans), Paddy Barcoe (Carlow Crusaders), Tim Bergin (Laois Panthers), Stevie Gibbons (Carlow Crusaders).