Rugby League World Cup 2013: Ireland start as major underdogs

“In saying that, we’ve needed to. We were in the toughest position of the tournament.

“That and the professionalism of the organisation has been fantastic. I’m really enjoying the experience.”

White is expected to go up against his Canberra pack colleague Josh Papalii as well as several of his former team-mates from the Melbourne side that won the 2007 and 2009 Grand Finals when Ireland play their final Group A match on Saturday night.

“I’ve played with or against most of them,” he said. “A lot of those boys I played with in Melbourne.

“I know first hand the quality of players we’re up against. We just want to try and be competitive and do our best.

“We have spoken a lot about the spirit and making sure we don’t give up and we keep fighting through the whole game.”

Ireland coach Mark Aston heaped praise on the 31-year-old for his bravery and leadership during the side’s crushing defeats by Fiji and England but White insists he is nothing more than a foot soldier.

“Most of these boys have played more Test-matches than I have,” said White, who was forced to withdraw from Ireland’s 2008 World Cup team because of injury.

“I have a bit of experience and, if the team can benefit from my input, then fantastic.

“But I am here to learn just as much. Like everyone. I will take a lot out of this camp.”

After playing in front of sell-out crowds in Rochdale and Huddersfield, Ireland are expecting a modest attendance of around 6,000 in the rugby union stronghold of Limerick for a match that is expected to produce a runaway victory for the Kangaroos.