LEEDS Rhinos forward Anthony Mullally knows Ireland need a good result in their opening fixture against Italy in their bid to progress beyond the group stages.

And the former Bradford Bulls loanee, who helped the Rhinos to their Grand Final win earlier this month, says spirits are high in the camp ahead of their opener on Sunday.

"The trip has been really good so far," he said. "We have had a few tough sessions which was a bit of a shock to the system as I hadn't really trained since the Grand Final.

"But everyone is in good spirits, there are no egos in the Irish camp and, as well as training, we are enjoying spending time with each other, including going up to visit the Great Barrier Reef, which was brilliant.

"We need to have a big start against Italy if we are going to reach the knock out stages and we are working hard in training to make sure that happens."

Mullally played all three games at the 2013 World Cup, with all three ending in defeat as Ireland – who include Bulls half-back Joe Keyes in their squad this time round – crashed out in the group stages.

But the forward is excited to play a big role for his country this time around, fresh off the back of a successful season with his club.

"I can take a lot of confidence from this season and try and play as well as I can," he said.

"Having said that, I don't think I am any different just because I have now played in a Grand Final. We are all about the team and everyone is fitting in well.

"I know I will probably need to do extra minutes than I am used to at Leeds but I am looking forward to that challenge and playing in different systems."

Ireland's other matches are against Papua New Guinea (November 5) and Wales (November 12).