THERE are two Saints players in the Ireland RLWC2017 Rugby League World Cup squad.

Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Kyle Amor are a mix of seasoned Irish internationals, previous members of the squad, domestic players and new recruits.

Former Saints full back Shannon McDonnell is also included in the line-up.

Amor had initially been in the mix for an England call-up having beein in Wayne Bennett's training squad.

Mark Aston has kept the core squad together that have been a part of the last few European Championships and the players that qualified for the tournament last Autumn.

The evergreen Liam Finn and Scott Grix lead the side out as captain and vice-captain and they have over 20 years experience now playing for Ireland.

Irish born NRL and Super League giant James Hasson leads out an impressive pack that includes youngsters like Brad Singleton, the King brothers and Joe Philbin of Warrington who impressed in the qualifiers, as well as Anthony Mullally and Tyrone McCarthy who bring real quality and experience to the side.

The hooker position sees Michael McIlorum return to the Wolfhounds after a long absence and his direction and aggression will be a huge asset.

Youth is a key part of the squad and players like Liam Kay, Jack Higginson, Ollie Roberts and Will Hope are likely to star for Ireland into the future.

The domestic competition has got a greater involvement this time round and Matty Hadden features again after being involved in 2013 and is selected alongside James Kelly, Casey Dunne and Alan McMahon who have been central to the growth of the game in Ireland. Mikey Russell is also involved in the party and will travel as a reserve.

Name Club 1. Liam Finn (C) Wakefield Wildcats, 2. Scott Grix (V.C) Wakefield Wildcats, 3. James Hasson Wakefield Wildcats, 4. Kyle Amor St. Helens, 5. Liam Kay Toronto Wolf Pack, 6. Will Hope Sheffield Eagles, 7. Oliver Roberts Huddersfield Giants, 8. Ed Chamberlain Widnes Vikings, 9. George King Warrington Wolves, 10. Toby King Warrington Wolves, 11. Joe Keyes Bradford Bulls, 12. Joe Philbin Warrington Wolves, 13. Jack Higginson Wigan Warriors, 14. Anthony Mullally Leeds Rhinos, 15. Tyrone McCarthy Salford City Reds, 16. Brad Singleton Leeds Rhinos, 17. Micky McIlorum Wigan Warriors, 18. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook St. Helens, 19. Api Pewhairangi London Broncos, 20. Matty Hadden Rochdale Hornets 21. Shannon McDonnell Camden Rams, 22. Casey Dunne Longhorns RL, 23. James Kelly Sheffield Eagles, 24. Alan McMahon Waterford Vikings, 25. Mikey Russell – (Travelling Reserve) – Coventry Bears.

Staff Mark Aston – Head Coach, Ged Corcoran - Assistant Coach, Ryan Sheridan - Assistant Coach, Kane Daniels – S&C Coach, Kat Dawson - Physiotheraps,t Brian Moore - Kitman, Brett White – RLWC Team Liaison Officer, Richard Egan – Team Manager, Andrew Hipsley / Liam West – Team Doctors.

Ireland’s pool games are: · Ireland v Italy, Sunday 29th Oct, Cairns.

Ireland v PNG, Sunday 5th Nov, Port Moresby.

Ireland v Wales, Sunday 12th Nov, Perth.