SALFORD players Stuart Littler and Karl Fitzpatrick have helped Ireland reach the knockout stage of the rugby league World Cup in Australia against all the odds.

Littler started and Fitzpatrick came off the bench yesterday, Wednesday, November 5, as Ireland shocked new Salford teammate Willie Talau’s Samoan side 34-16.

The result ended Talau’s tournament prematurely and group B winners Ireland will now play group C winners Fiji in the semi-final qualifier on Monday, November 10.

John Wilshere, Salford’s other representative in the World Cup, looks destined for a group stage exit with his Papua New Guinea side needing to pull off the shock of all shocks by beating overwhelming cup favourites Australia this Sunday, November 9, to stand any chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.

Papua New Guinea followed up their opening game defeat to England with a 48-6 loss at the hands of New Zealand at the weekend. Wilshere converted the Kumuls’ solitary try.