Scotland World Cup Preview
October 14th 2008 09:17
Warriors hooker Ian Henderson will provide determination for Scotland
Scottish Rugby League can be traced back to the early 1900's. But it would take approximately 90 years for Scotland to formally build a national team that will now enter its second World Cup after losing all three games in their maiden appearance in 2000.
Despite the sombre effort from 'The Bravehearts', they only lost their group games by less than 12 points eight years ago, meaning they are a competitive side at their best.
But one can suggest the Scottish will need to rival Mel Gibson's portrayal of William Wallace if they are any chance of being real nuisance value to the likes of Australia, England and New Zealand.
Indeed a little crowd support would help Scotland significantly.
Rugby League is not a hugely popular sport in Scotland, with the country never having had a professional club. This means that the national team is nowhere near as well supported as the countries football or rugby union sides.
Usually matches get between 1,000 to 2,000 supporters, and those figures haven't really increased or decreased since Scotland's first home international in 1996.
In terms of media coverage, apart from 'Challenge Cup' matches, League is not shown on Scottish terrestrial television and no matches are usually broadcast on radio.
However Scotland international matches usually get reported in national newspapers like 'The Scotsman' and sometimes in Scottish editions of London based newspapers.
But like many nations worldwide, League in Scotland is attracting growing interest, albeit at a slow rate.
In addition to the six clubs in the Scottish conference there are a small number of other clubs. The majority of the clubs are based in and around Glasgow, and Glasgow City Council provide funding for junior teams.
So even though Scotland's history in League is nothing to get Scottish fans excited come late October, their 2008 world cup squad has the capabilities to post a severe challenge to group rivals France and Fiji.
The Scottish will count with NRL players Chris Armit from the Bulldogs, Scott Logan from the Raiders, Ian Henderson from the Warriors and Michael Robertson from NRL Premiers, the Sea Eagles.
Henderson and Robertson in particular have displayed terrific form at the right time of the season to suggest they'll keep Scottish hopes well and truly alive come world cup time.
Robertson scored a hat trick in Manly's 40-0 Grand Final demolition of the Melbourne Storm and was considered a real smoky to make the Kangaroos squad.
Henderson meanwhile was instrumental in his dummy half role, as he helped guide the Warriors through the most unlikely of finals charges, which started with a history making upset victory over the Storm in the first week of the finals this season.
But one man that could surprise many in Scotland is half back and Scottish captain Danny Brough.
At just 25 years of age, Brough has a wealth of experience at a number of clubs, starting his playing career in Wakefield's academy set up before signing for the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats .
Indeed Brough's defining moment so far was in the Challenge Cup final in 2005 for Hull against the Leeds Rhinos, where he starred with four goals and a drop-goal. Many claimed he was unlucky not to win the 'Lance Todd Trophy' for best player on ground in the final.
Although he was considered unlucky back then, the 2008 world cup represents a great opportunity for Brough to lead his bunch of 'Bravehearts' into a promising new chapter in Scottish Rugby League.
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