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Jasper Bruce

NRL's Keary poised for Ireland WC debut

Luke Keary has signalled his intention to play for Ireland in this year's Rugby League World Cup. (Brendon Thorne/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Luke Keary is poised to make his debut for Ireland at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup in October.

The Sydney Roosters five-eighth has informed Rugby League Ireland he wants to be considered for selection.

Keary is eligible to play for Ireland through his father and was keen to represent his roots at the 2017 World Cup before injury forced his withdrawal.

Given his sound NRL form since returning from concussion, Keary will be an enticing prospect.

"We'll see how the next few weeks go but I've told the people I need to tell what my intentions are," he told reporters.

"I've always had a connection there since I was a kid. Dad's family are still over there."

Ireland have been drawn into the same pool as New Zealand, Lebanon and Jamaica, so Keary is a chance to come up against New Zealand-born Roosters teammates Joey Manu and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves on the world stage.

There is a handful of NRL players scattered amongst Ireland's opponents with Adam Doueihi, Mitchell Moses and Alex Twal representing Lebanon in 2017 and Dominic Young eligible for Jamaica.

"There are so many great NRL players putting their hands up to represent their heritage. I think it's great for our game," Keary said.

"It's going to be a great World Cup."

Ireland are higher on the International Rugby League Rankings than both Lebanon and Jamaica and can realistically aim to finish beyond the group stage for the first time since 2008.

The Irish narrowly missed out on advancing in 2017, a loss to Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby depriving them of the chance.

"They were good. They only just missed the finals and probably should have beaten PNG over there," Keary said.

"Honestly, if I do get the chance (to play for Ireland) I would be super proud."

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