IRELAND took a break from preparations for Sunday’s World Cup opener against Jamaica at Headingley by visiting Strawberry Fields Primary School in Garforth in an event facilitated by the Hunslet Rugby Foundation.
Eight players – captain George King (Hull KR), together with Ed Chamberlain (Leigh Centurions), Jaimin Jolliffe (Gold Coast Titans), Joe Keyes (Halifax Panthers), Ronan Michael (York City Knights), Richie Myler (Leeds Rhinos), Henry O’Kane (Wests Tigers) and Harry Rushton (Huddersfield Giants) accepted an invitation by teacher Miss Chermside to chat to pupils about life as a top Rugby League player and the experience of appearing on a world stage.
The children also enjoyed the opportunity to run through a few drills with the Irish stars.
Hunslet Foundation’s General Manager Mikey Nuttall said: “It was a great day and, above all, the children really enjoyed it.
“Ireland’s official photographer Simon Hall, who is an old friend of mine, put me in touch with their manager Adam Bates after Miss Chermside had contacted me, and Adam and the rest of the Irish camp couldn’t have been more enthusiastic or pro-active. The players really engaged with the children, who now know much more about the World Cup and about Irish Rugby League.”
