Six of the victorious Galway Tribesmen have been selected by the Republic of Ireland for the first match of the Rugby League Ireland Origin clash at Galwegians' grounds on Saturday at 2pm.
Alan McMahon, Andrew Antonio, Cathal Evans, Conor Mackey, Jason East, and Peter O'Neill have been rewarded for their outstanding seasons out west as they brought home, first the Republic of Ireland title and then the All-Ireland trophy in recent weeks.
For the first time ever, the series will visit Galway as the Republic of Ireland look to maintain their perfect record over Northern Ireland having won the previous two series. The return fixture will be the following Saturday in Portadown.
With internationals against Italy, Malta, Jamaica and World Cup Qualifiers against Russia and Spain ahead this autumn the players are competing not only for origin glory but also for the opportunity to potentially represent Ireland in the World Cup in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand next year.
The U19's will kick-off proceedings against their Northern counterparts at Galwegians' grounds on Saturday 12.30pm.
