Hooker James Lowes will put club before country by pulling out of Ireland's World Cup squad so that he can undergo a knee operation which will enable him to continue to be a key figure for Bradford Bulls next season.

Lowes, who will be 31 next month, was tipped as a potential skipper for the Irish in the end-of-season 16-nation showpiece, but he has opted instead to enter hospital for surgery.

It means he will not line-up alongside his Aussie team-mate Michael Withers who was named in the 22-strong party yesterday after qualifying through his Irish grandparents.

"The decision was left completely with Jimmy," explained coach Matthew Elliott. In my discussions with him it was clear that Jimmy feels he has two to three years left at club level and doesn't want to do anything that might put that in jeopardy.

"He needs the surgery, and obviously the longer that is delayed the chances of him being fit for the start of next season with us are reduced.

"That is his aim and, despite the obvious attraction of the World Cup, he feels he has made the right decision."

Meanwhile, Withers' selection is a major tonic for the Bulls three-quarter after a season blighted by injury.

"Mick has never really got into his stride this season, but this is a great chance to test himself at the highest level," said Elliott.

"I have no doubt he has the ability to mix it with the best, and I think it can only benefit his game in the long term.

"He is still finding his way back to full fitness, but with the play-offs around the corner he should be coming to his peak at the right time."

The Ireland squad will fly out to La Manga on October 16 for a week's warm-weather training ahead of their opening game against Samoa at Windsor Park on Saturday, October 28.

In addition to Lowes, Ireland have lost Wigan second rower Mick Cassidy, also to a knee operation, but his absence has been offset by the decision of Chris Joynt to switch his allegiance from England.

"It's a big blow to lose players of their quality on and off the field," admitted new skipper Terry O'Connor. "Mick Cassidy and James Lowes have been among the stand-out players this year.

"But we've got players to come in who will do just as good a job. Liam Bretherton is the only non-Super League player, but he was getting rave reviews at Leigh."

Leeds scrum half Ryan Sheridan, first-choice for Great Britain last year, has also joined the Irish cause and will be competing with Australian Gavin Clinch for the half-back role.

The squad includes no fewer than eight Aussies, including three from the National Rugby League (NRL), who qualify on the grandparents rule.

Brisbane Broncos star Kevin Campion, who will join Warrington next season, and Luke Ricketson from Sydney City Roosters played in the recent NRL Grand Final.

Ireland: Backs; Bretherton (Leigh), Carney (Hull/Wigan), Clinch (Huddersfield/Halifax), Connolly (Wigan), Eagar (Castleford), Forster (Warrington), Herron (Hull), Martyn (St Helens), Prescott (Wakefield/Hull), Sheridan (Leeds), Stewart (St Helens), Withers (Bradford). Forwards; Barnhill (Leeds), Bradbury (Huddersfield), Campion (Brisbane/Warrington), Joynt (St Helens), Lawless (Huddersfield), Mathiou (Leeds), McDermott (Leeds), O'Connor (Wigan, capt), Ricketson (Sydney Roosters), Southern (Salford), Williams (Melbourne). Reserve: Crompton (Salford).