James McDonnell gave Leeds Rhinos fans a taste of what's to come after a try-scoring outing for Ireland at Headingley. McDonnell, who will link up with the Rhinos in 2023 from Wigan Warriors, crossed for the Wolfhounds in their comfortable victory over Jamaica.
The back-rower charged on to a pass 15 metres from the line and held off three defenders for a late score as Ireland ran out 48-2 winners over the Reggae Warriors. McDonnell started from the bench in the contest but made an impact on his arrival, forcing handling errors in defence and carrying hard.
McDonnell will arrive at Headingley keen to play regularly, having left the Warriors in pursuit of first-team opportunities. He will face competition from the likes of James Bentley, who also scored late on, Papua New Guinea captain Rhyse Martin and rising stay Morgan Gannon.
Read more: Three standouts from Ireland's heavy win over Jamaica as Wigan Warriors prop impresses
Richie Myler also played in the contest as Ireland, setting up a number of tries. The trio will be in action again next week in a crucial clash against Lebanon that will likely determine who advances from Group C alongside New Zealand. That game takes place next Sunday (2.30 PM KO) at Leigh Sports Village.
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