Sydney Roosters star Luke Keary has become the next high-profile NRL player to declare their intentions for the World Cup, announcing that he will turn out for Ireland if injuries allow.
Keary was denied a chance to play at the 2017 World Cup by injury and has struggled with concussions this year, but said that all being well on that front, he would turn out in England at the end of the year.
“I stuck my hand up for them in 2017 and it didn’t eventuate because of a few things at the back end of the year, so we’ll just see how the next few weeks go,” he said.
“But I’ve told the people that I need to tell what my intentions are. We’ll see how we go.”
Keary is of Irish descent through his father and said that he had always felt a connection to Ireland since childhood.
“Dad’s family is still over there, he’s gone to visit,” said the five eighth. “I haven’t been over there but you just feel proud. When you talked about it as a kid you felt proud and it makes me feel good thinking about it.
“In 2017 I was no chance of playing for Australia but I wish I did play for Ireland in the World Cup, but I just didn’t get to. We’ll see where we get to in the next couple of months.”
Ireland were very unlucky in 2017, where a quirk of tournament formatting left them out despite winning two of their three games, including a stirring 36-12 win over James Tedesco’s Italy.
“They were so good, won two games and just missed the finals,” said Keary. “They probably should have got PNG over there. I’m keen to play and if I do get the chance, I’ll be super proud to put the jersey on.
“I think it’s going to be a great World Cup. So many great NRL players are putting their hands up for their nations of heritage and birth. It’s great for our game.”
Keary would be the most high-profile member of a squad that will feature plenty of NRL and Super League talent.
Jaimin Jolliffe of the Gold Coast Titans, Morgan Harper from Manly and Canberra’s Harry Rushton are expected to travel if injuries allow, and will join a raft of experienced operators from the UK competition.
Keary was not getting ahead of himself, but said that he was waiting until the season’s end before deep-diving.
“I haven’t thought too much,” said the Rooster. “I know the squad and roughly what’s going to happen, but a lot of things can happen. A lot of those players are going for England selection too that might miss out.
“I know Richie Myler’s there who’s a pretty experienced five eighth, but I haven’t thought about it that deeply yet to be honest. You don’t go there yet, you go there after.”
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Yes those CLEAR rules are "If you play League and breath you are eligible for any nation you want to play for". Very clear rules.
Nat
Roar Guru
Post a link to the interaction chris? Usually a simple request but not for those dodging the obvious. BS-ing every part of your miserable life. What sort of low life trolls an old English league fan? Where did you even find that old twitter guy? Then you reference him for something not said? You feel like you're living your best? Hiding in the shadows, not a friend in the world.
Nat
Roar Guru
My "mungoball team" ? Come on post the reference.
Nat
Roar Guru
You mean this random who has never posted before saying exactly the same thing as you with exactly the same insignia? This from the guy who creates dozens of profiles. Forgive me if I give damo the same credibility as you hold.
Nat
Roar Guru
How many do you have on that thread?
Nat
Roar Guru
See I have absolutely no respect for any part of your character. This exchange has been particularly disturbing but when coupled with your comments about comments over on the soccer thread I should have known there wasn't much going on upstairs.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
When I was at Tooheys cans were the norm , I think it's something to do with export although some draught Guinness was brewed under licence . Both Sydney breweries produced stout . I think it was classified as healthier and Tooheys owned Millers( now defunct) and brewed a stout and HI LO which was high alcohol low calories. Bit of a predecessor to today's lite beers .
Nat
Roar Guru
Really, 6500 dead men is fake news? You want to make a comparison to a game of league? Be careful champ, someone close may fall to your karma.
PeterCtheThird
Guest
The fact is that there are clear rules about eligibility. End of. Any denigration of other football codes or sports generally is irrelevant.
andrew
Roar Rookie
I think it’s a great drop. As I posted before I only drink the imported Guinness cans, don’t like the bottles. Noticed today the price has increased, have to check out D M’ s,hope they haven’t done the same. Oatmeal stout, haven’t tried it. Is that a health drink :laughing:
up in the north
Roar Rookie
So to paraphrase from the time of the last RLWC, Australia are no longer TOP DOG and NRL players with other country heritage are more motivated to represent their ancestral roots. Good on them. But you've got to admit it makes the NRL a bit of a bug catcher .
Nat
Roar Guru
6500 dead men is made up is it? 6500 families suffering is funny? Enjoy your bloodbath.
Nat
Roar Guru
SBS paid $20m for the WC, It is silly to believe that Fox wouldn't pay that when conservative estimates are over $25m. You want to engage me "damo" set up a profile and be accountable otherewise you have all the credibility of this joker below. You're probably just another eric anyway.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
When I worked at Tooheys and they had the licence the biggest Guinness drinkers were in Manly , drank bucketloads. I don't mind it. I can remember Tooth's had Sheaf stout and Tooheys had Oatmeal stout, you hardly see it any more.
Nat
Roar Guru
Answer the question chris. How loud will you cheer? 6500 screams is pretty loud and I will remind you of this fact every time you pop up.
andrew
Roar Rookie
I'm on my 4th Guinness as I post this BD. I only buy the cans, then pour it into a glass, only 1/2 full, then top up after a couple of minutes. Don't ask me why but that's what they do in Ireland. To be sure, to be sure. :laughing: :thumbup:
Nat
Roar Guru
Backtracking? :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: Your very words. I even gave you the chance to add all three qualifiers to come to the one total - you disappeared again. Boy, by now I own so much of you I'll take it from your mother.
Nat
Roar Guru
Oh no, oops. That must mean you get to dodge every question about the dead family members at the real WC. Keep up the good work.
Nat
Roar Guru
Just like your "qualifiers get more than an origin game"? :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: We know where the rocks are. Heaped on top of the bodies of the 6500 dead men.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
To be sure .