Lynch eyes a chance to play in World Cup

CASTLEFORD Tigers prop Andy Lynch is tempted by the prospect of putting up his hand to play for Ireland in the World Cup at the end of the 2017 season.

The 37-year-old is proud of his Irish roots, but is reluctant to take the place of younger players who have shown more commitment to the Irish cause over the last four years.

Lynch has spoken to Ireland coach Mark Aston on a number of occasions about playing for the Wolfhounds in the past, but injury has prevented him pulling on the green jersey.

“It’s hard to say, it’s still preseason,” said Lynch. “I don’t know if it’s right to say it, but I can’t just put my hand up now when I’ve never done it before.

“I’ve had conversations with Mark before about playing, but with the injuries I’ve had I haven’t played.

“I can’t just put my hand up and say I want to play because the World Cup is on.

“It’s tough on the other guys, because people work really hard and their goal is to get into that Ireland squad at the end of the year.

“It’s only fair that those players who work hard all year don’t miss out and play in that squad.” ■■Leeds Rhino’s Danny McGuire has not ruled out retiring at the end of the season, but he believes he still has more to give before hanging up the boots.

The 34-year-old is out of contract at the end of the year and has yet to decide whether he will carry on his career beyond the conclusion of the 2017 season.

McGuire has made 342 Super League appearances for the Rhinos since making his debut in 2001, although injuries restricted him to just 13 appearances in all competitions last year.

After an injury-riddled campaign, McGuire’s first priority is to return to the field, rather than consider his future beyond the end of the year.

“I’ve not given much thought to what happens after this year,” said McGuire.

“It’s the old cliché, I’m just taking it every day as it comes and I’ll see how the body feels. If I’m contributing to the team, I feel like I’ve got a lot left to give. We’ll see how it goes.” ■■Catalans Dragons will step up their preparations for the new season by spending two nights at the local fire station.

The French club will train alongside the Perpignan Fire Brigade during a three-day camp designed to take the players out of their comfort zone.

Catalans coach Laurent Frayssinous said: “This camp is an opportunity to take the boys out of their habits and find out more about how they deal with adversity, both individually and as a group.”

The Dragons will play Toulouse and Wigan in friendlies before their opening Betfred Super League match against Warrington on February 11.