Internationals SCOTLAND RLWC 2013 Campaign

[KPWarrior]

Profile

• Team Name: The Bravehearts
• First Appearance: 2000
• RLWC2013 Group: Group C
• RLWC2013 Opponents: Tonga, USA and Italy
• Tournament best: One win (2008)

A Bit of History

‘The Bravehearts’ emerged on the international scene in 1995, when they were defeated 26-22 by Ireland.

The youngest of the British Isles’ constituent Rugby League nations, Scotland has since developed a keen rivalry with their Celtic counterparts, playing eight internationals over the past decade.

But Rugby League’s relationship with Scotland goes way beyond 1995. Two Scottish players featured in the first ever Rugby League test match, played in 1907 between a Northern Union representative XIII and a team of Other Nationalities, George Frater captaining the victorious Other Nationalities.

Rugby League then made its first appearance in Scotland in 1909 when Glasgow’s Celtic Park hosted a game between the Northern Union representative side and a touring Australian side.

Scotland finally progressed to the top level of international competition in 2000 when they made their first appearance at a World Cup. What they lacked in experience they made up for in commitment, losing their games against Ireland, Samoa and Aotearoa Maori all by fewer than 12 points.

In 2008 Scotland returned to the World Cup fray, where they upset Fiji in a surprise 18-16 victory before losing to Tonga in the seventh place play-off game.

The following year, Scotland reached the finals of a European Cup competition involving Lebanon, Ireland, Wales, Serbia and Italy, eventually losing to Wales.

One of Rugby League’s most well-respected coaches, Steve McCormack, will be in charge for 2013.

Squad: Danny Addy (Bradford), Sam Barlow (Halifax), Danny Brough (Huddersfield), Brett Carter (Workington), Luke Douglas (Gold Coast), Dale Ferguson (Huddersfield), Ben Fisher (London), Ian Henderson (Catalan), Ben Hellewell (Featherstone), Andrew Henderson (Sheffield), Alex Hurst (London), Ben Kavanagh (Widnes), Kane Linnett (North Queensland), Gareth Moore (Batley), Brett Phillips (Workington), Matt Russell (Gold Coast), David Scott (Featherstone), Mitchell Stringer (Sheffield), Alex Szostak (Sheffield), Adam Walker (Hull KR), Jonathan Walker (Castleford), Peter Wallace (Brisbane), Oliver Wilkes (Wakefield).




Born and bred in Glasgow, so thought I'd be the first to give this little nation some support......

 

[KPWarrior]

Josh Barlow added to Scotland squad

Scotland coach Steve McCormack will have three sets of brothers in his Rugby League World Cup squad after adding Swinton forward Josh Barlow as a late replacement.

The 22-year-old, brother of Halifax prop Sam, has replaced Hull KR forward Jonathan Walker, who has a knee injury.

Barlow missed out initially after a frustrating season with Swinton.

Already selected are siblings Ian and Andrew Henderson, plus Brett and Callum Phillips.

"Josh has been an important part of the squad the last couple of years," said McCormack. "He finished the season really well and fully deserves his call-up for Scotland."



Half-back Callum Philips was another late call-up because of injury.

The Workington player replaced Batley scrum-half Gareth Moore, part of the Bulldogs side that narrowly lost the Championship grand final in September, after he pulled out with a shoulder problem.

Phillips has not played for Scotland before and previously represented England at youth level in 2010. He made 24 appearances for Workington last season, scoring six tries.

It caps a fine first year in the semi-professional game for Phillips after he was picked up from the Cumbrian amateur scene.

Phillips said: "I got the call on Saturday morning to come down to training on Sunday as a few things were happening.

"When I got in the meeting before training, I was told Gareth Moore had dropped out and I was in the squad. I was delighted but very nervous.

"This time last year, I was playing for Seaton against Maryport in the Cumberland League. Now I'm going to be in the World Cup with players like Danny Brough and NRL and other Super League players."

A statement issued by Scotland's team management confirmed they were granted permission to make the change to their 24-man squad by tournament organisers.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24519849

 

[Sup42]

Great little punch up video on youtube including the fight between Hendo and Bukuya.

Here's hoping Scotland can clock up a few wins at the cup , lot of romanticism for things Scottish and us kiwi folk.

Many having Scots Ancestry of course and many who just love culture and history are drawn to Scotland's story of course.

They don't get much respect in union from what I hear on the Radio , League fans are less inclined to be pompous GO Scotland !!!

 

[KPWarrior]

Danny Brough eager for Scotland to qualify from Group C





Scotland international Danny Brough is praying the nation can qualify from Group C and test themselves against rugby league's finest on the big stage.

Recently-crowned Man of Steel Brough, who was snubbed by England head coach Steve McNamara, is part of a largely untested squad that includes six uncapped players.

Scotland will play Tonga and Italy and with just one team progressing from Group C Steve McCormack's troops will have to hit the ground running, needing to win both fixtures to guarantee their progression into the quarter-finals, where they would almost certainly play reigning world champions New Zealand.

The Huddersfield Giants ace acknowledges Scotland have already been dealt a blow with the withdrawal of a couple of key players due to injury, but remains hopeful they can reach the last eight.

"I just hope we get out of the group stages and show people we are a nation that can challenge," said Brough.


"We've had a few injuries with such as (James) McManus and (Keith) Galloway but such is life, you've just got to get on with it."

With Scotland playing both of their matches at Workington, Brough is keen to get the locals on side in an effort to gain as much support as possible.

The former Hull, Castleford and Wakefield man pointed to the unlikely crowds that supported them at the 2008 event Down Under, with their clashes against France and Fiji drawing close to 10,000 spectators apiece.

"I really hope they (the fans) get behind us. Make sure they bring their coats and gloves," he continued.

"That last time we played in Canberra, we had a cracking following, I was that surprised how many Scotland fans turned out."

 

[KPWarrior]

Danny Brough's Scottish roots:

The Super League Man of Steel says he has no regrets on missing out on a place in the England squad.

Braveheart Danny Brough is primed with a stock answer when questioned about his Scottish roots.

And Super League’s Man of Steel, born in Dewsbury, also has a ready quip for fans baffled by his England World Cup squad omission.

But Brough couldn’t be happier with his lot even though the Scots are training in Workington and England are away in South Africa.

“I used to walk my dog in Kilmarnock,” grinned the Huddersfield half-back when asked about his Tartan links.

“Actually, my granddad was a full Scot though sadly I never got to meet him.

“My dad told me about him and showed me the birth certificate back in 2004 when I first got picked.

“At the time I was playing for York in the second division and the chance to play international rugby was too good to turn down.”

Brough, 30, has since played for Hull FC, Castleford and Wakefield, represented Scotland at the 2008 World Cup in Australia and turned out for England in last season’s second of two International Origin games against the Exiles at Huddersfield.

But an England spot eluded him for the end-of-year triangular series against France and Wales.

And when coach Steve McNamara named his Elite Training Squad in March, Brough was again excluded.

Despite outstanding club form throughout 2013, culminating in Man of Steel recognition, the Giants skipper again failed to impress McNamara.

“There will be people who have their opinions and think I should be playing for England,” added Brough (below, with Giants coach Paul Anderson). “If they are disappointed then come and watch Scotland.

"I have no regrets. And McNamara is not going to change his mind now.

“Scotland got in touch with me, not the other way round.

"It would have been unfair for me to ring and say, ‘I am not in the England squad, can I come and play for you?’

“I waited until I got the call and then made my decision to play for them straight away.”

While England open the 14-team tournament against Australia at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on October 26, Scotland will kick off against Tonga at Workington’s 8,000-capacity Derwent Park three days later.

They also face Italy – England’s World Cup warm-up opposition at Salford next Saturday – at the same venue.

“Seriously, this year has been so good. I just hope I can repay Steve McCormack's faith and give a good account of myself,” added Brough.

“I hope we can get out of the group stages and show we are a nation that can
challenge.”


Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/danny-broughs-scottish-roots-used-2364160#ixzz2hyTtpmNj
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[mt.wellington]

Good stuff KPWarrior. Ive was meaning to sponsor this team as I didnt know a thing about them and wanted to learn something new. One thing I do know is on the 29th of October my team is going to waste you ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc4NwiQj17g
​

Hudderfield and Scotland Captain Danny Brough with his Man of Steel award...

​

Scotland RLWC13 kit. Not sure about those shorts!?!

​

Available for sale at https://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/rugby/rugby-league/scotland-rugby-league.html

 

[KPWarrior]

Not sure about those shorts!?!

Haha...love them tartan shorts mate, just a shame there's actually a hole for each leg, otherwise we'd show you what we really think!

 

[Sup42]

Trust Mt Wellington to have the Link for where to buy the Kit though aye

Waste of talent Mt Wellington should be selling Jerseys for CCC , actually might still go broke even with staff discount

 

[KPWarrior]

Love the jerseys too btw with the St. Andrews Cross on the shoulders...... very well done!

 

[Sup42]

Love the jerseys too btw with the St. Andrews Cross on the shoulders...... very well done!

Had a look at the Link , bloody ell how come the Jerseys are half the price and twice as nice to the Ugly NZ Jerseys.

 

[KPWarrior]

Had a look at the Link , bloody ell how come the Jerseys are half the price and twice as nice to the Ugly NZ Jerseys.

They're aimed at Scottish people! We have high standards but we ain't payin for it!

 

[Lord Gnome of Howick MBE]

Hate Scotland.

 

[edd]

Hate Scotland.

Is that an opinion or an instruction...

 

[Miket12]

Hate Scotland.

Ah, there's Our Lord that we've all come to fear and respect.

 

[Paleaaesina2the20]

I'd say unless William Wallace rises from the dead and dons a jersey and sticks his hand up to take some hit-ups Scotland will struggle to be relevant. But I would like to see them do well, hopefully the pool game against Tonga is a cracker!

 

[Lord Gnome of Howick MBE]

Is that an opinion or an instruction...

Both

 

[KPWarrior]

Well done Scotland...... put on 20 points against an established RL nation, no mean feat in itself...... played the entire 2nd half without Danny Brough.

But yeah it was only a.... ummm..... warm up!

Glad we didn't face that RL super power Italy!

 

[edd]

Russell scores late winner for Scotland vs Tonga
Matt Russell crossed in the 72nd minute and Danny Brough converted to give Scotland a two-point buffer, then the defense held out a barrage of Tongan attacking raids in the last minutes to preserve a 26-24 win over Tonga on Tuesday in a Group C match at the Rugby League World Cup.

Tonga scored five tries against four and had Micky Paea held up in the 80th minute and halfback Daniel Foster adjudged by the TV referee to have knocked-on over the line as the siren sounded but was let down by some inaccurate goalkicking and too many handling errors. Brough landed five goals to make the difference in a game in which Scotland conceded the first try, rallied to lead 20-4 at halftime, then squandered the 16-point cushion and had to score late for a comeback win over the Tongans.

Tonga was the favorite going into the match with a sprinkling of experienced NRL players, but Scotland ground out a solid first-half lead.

"Many people didn't give us a chance looking at that Tonga team, but we found a way to win," Scotland coach Steve McCormack said. "That is up there with the best Scotland has ever had.

"There are certain decisions you can argue with, but some go your way and you can't look at that and say we were lucky. We earned everything we got. Tonga were brilliant for 30 minutes, but we found a way to win."

Tonga captain Brent Kite thought Foster had grabbed a last-ditch win, and said the loss was "really gut-wrenching."

"There were a few 50-50s and we didn't get them," Kite said. "We can't worry about that. We let ourselves down in the first half."

Scotland's next match is against Italy on Sunday.

 

[Est95]

Upset of the tournament so far? I gave Scotland no hope, I though Tonga would demolish them no sweat

 

[Weno]

Heads up to the Scots.
Had you beat just reading the line ups.
Tongan goal kicking beat them at the end of the day.
Scots back row were awesome, there no# 12 impressed me a lot.
We know of the quality Luke Douglas possesses and displays, but his no# 8 partner matched him in the confrontation and go forward area.
He a bit of a go.
Scots have a pretty good spine, Struggling to see why there F.B couldn't crack it at the Titans.
Still a bit shocked, LOL.
Well Done Scots.