Scotland Rugby League have named one full international and one uncapped player in their squad for the Carnegie Floodlit 9s tournament at Leeds Rhinos' Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Wednesday, 25 August. A host of Scotland 'A' internationals from all over Britain are joined by Coventry Bears' Australian-born forward Brad Massey, who made his Scotland ‘A' debut last Saturday, 14 August when Scotland completed the Amateur Four Nations Grand Slam after beating Wales 35 -22.
Scotland are making their debut in the prestigious Leeds competition, where they will line up against ten Super League clubs, including hosts Leeds Rhinos, holders Hull FC, Wigan Warriors and St. Helens as well as Northern rail 9's champions Halifax, plus Wales and Jamaica. The bravehearts will play their first match against Castleford Tigers then take on Bradford Bulls. The bravehearts with be coached by full international coach Steve McCormack, who will remain in charge for the Alitalia European Cup in October.
"This is a great opportunity for players to force their way into the full squad for the European Cup," said McCormack. "We decided to use this tournament to have a look at the best players coming through the Student and A teams and give those lads exposure to what a professional set-up is like and a flavor of what they'll experience if they make the full squad to play Wales, France and Ireland in the autumn."
With most of Scotland's top players still having Super League or Championship play-off matches to come after the tournament, McCormack opted against selecting any full-time professional players. The squad does include some exciting young talent in Carluke's teenage winger Scott Wilson, who is also expected to be Scotland's entry in the Carnegie Sprint Challenge - where he will race 100 metres against the fastest men in Super League - and four Edinburgh-based players: hooker Giles Lomax, second-rowers Craig Borthwick and Richard Knight, and loose forward Niall Parkinson.
Scotland will be based in Leeds from Tuesday 24 August for two days. Further interviews are available: please contact team manager Gavin Willacy on 07796 442041 or rlbravehearts@hotmail.com
Scotland Bravehearts 9's:
Dave Arnott - London Skolars
Jamie Benn - Castleford Panthers
Crawford Matthews - Gateshead Thunder
Scott Wilson - Carluke Tigers
Mike Benson - South London Storm
Giles Lomax - Edinburgh Eagles
Scott Clendenning Fenton - Coventry Bears
Stuart Fee - Exeter University
Craig Borthwick - Edinburgh Eagles
Joe Causer - Leeds University
Niall Parkinson - Edinburgh Napier University
Dave Linton - Southampton Spitfires
Brad Massey - Coventry Bears
Head Coach - Steve McCormack
Assistant Coach - Dan Beardshaw
Assistant Coach - Angus McNab
Physiotherapist - Mick Heys
Manager - Gav Willacy
Turnstile prices have been set at £15 for Adults and £5 for Children under 16 and Concessions for the summer evening spectacular. A Family of 4 [2 adults and 2 Children] can pre-purchase a ticket for just £20 saving £20 or 50%. With the same offer a family of 3 [2 Adults and 1 child] save £15 while 2 adults on their own would save £10 or 25%. Fans wishing to make an advance purchase can do so via the Headingley Box Office or through the box office at participating clubs.
