Rugby League World Cup: Liam Byrne reflects on Ireland's defeat to Lebanon at Leigh Sports Village

Liam Byrne says Ireland played too emotionally in their 32-14 Rugby League World Cup defeat to Lebanon.
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The prop was sin-binned in the fixture at Leigh Sports Village, and subsequently handed a two match penalty notice for two separate incidents in the game.

Byrne, who has potentially played his final match of the tournament, states Ireland will now put everything into their final group game against New Zealand.

“It was a tough loss (against Lebanon),” he said.

Liam Byrne (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images for Rugby League World Cup)Liam Byrne (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images for Rugby League World Cup)
Liam Byrne (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images for Rugby League World Cup)
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“We probably did it to ourselves. We were in the game for a good period of time but then showed too much ill discipline, including myself.

“We gave too much of the ball away and as a whole we got too carried away, playing too emotionally and not sticking to the process, which came back to bite us.

“It ended up being a bit too confrontational. They tried to get us going and we gave into it.

“It wasn’t our day unfortunately, but the lads will try to get the best result they can next week. They’ll put everything into it, and hopefully get something back.

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“As a team we need to stick together. There were too many occasions where we tried to solve things on our own.

“It’s a lesson learnt, but it’s all about building. It’s been a really good camp.

“I’ve met quite a few new lads, and there’s some I’ve been with before.

“We’ve got a really good group here and everyone is honest with each other.

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“We can build something, as long as we stick together and do the best we can.”

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Rugby League World Cup: Liam Byrne receives penalty notices for two separate off...

In Sunday’s game, Byrne went up against his Wigan teammate Abbas Miski, who went over for a second half try.

“He’s a tough opponent,” he added.

“He’s a threat, which is why I love playing with him. I tried to get it out of my mind that he is a teammate and just went against him the best I could.

“Going against him is always tough.

“He had a great game, so did Lebanon- credit to them. They did a good job on us.

“A lot of Wigan fans were there supporting me and Abbas, so it was really good to see.”