Next up in our ‘Getting to Know’ series is Wheelchair captain, Jay Anderson:

1. When was your Scotland debut?

2015 European Championships.

2. What has been your best Scotland moment?

2015, first time ever wearing the Thistle with my fellow Bravehearts and my family being there to watch us play my favourite game!! P.s. Also the scariest moment of my playing career!

3. Who is the best opposition player you’ve faced?

Harry Brown, England Wheelchair Rugby League and now GB Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball player was the most formidable and dynamic player I have ever had the fortune of trying to keep up with..with little success ?

4. What Netflix show do you binge?

I don’t really Netflix but if I was to choose, something older would be X Files, something newer would be Lucifer.

5. What food is your guilty pleasure?

Chips chips with chips!

6. What is your pre-match song?

Anything rock like Foo Fighters or ACDC gets the blood pumping!

7. What piece of advice would you give someone trying to get into Rugby League?

DO IT! DO IT NOW. It’s a fantastic, fun, fast, furious, frantic game with lots of great skill and big hits. Find a local club and join immediately. Don’t be scared, we all started not having a clue what we were doing but don’t let that stop you!

8. Which player, past or present, would you most like to play with?

Cyril Torres, the Captain of France, is a player who inspires me. He has great vision, fantastic leadership, a calm head but with a fiery passion for the game. He gives it his all whilst keeping his team tight and on point.

9. What hobby do you want to take up?

Go-Karting, quad bike..anything with an engine really would be amazing!

10. Who is your funniest Scotland teammate?

All of them, especially when together…but…the main instigator of “The Banter” is definitely Graeme Stewart!! He’ll love me for saying that.

11. What sport would you play if you weren’t a rugby player?

My first love from the age of around 10yrs old was field hockey. I would love a really good, adapted version to play again.

12. Favourite Film?

So many but probably The Wizard Of Oz, for the big kid in me and The Green Mile for the adult.

13. Which stadium do you most want to play at?

Any and all of them. I would love to be able to look back at a playing career that allowed me to experience as many different venues as possible.

14. How are you staying fit during lockdown?

Possibly like so many other people, lots of cleaning here! Lol. Seriously, the SRL wheelchair rugby league staff have been amazing. They have provided both physical and mental exercises for the players, are always available if you need a chat and keep us sharp with our skills. I also try to safely, get out for a push in my day chair when possible.

15. Haggis or Black Pudding?

Neither… Haggis if a win depended on it!

16. Super League or NRL?

Both.

17. Who’s your sporting hero?

Ex Scotland and GB Olympic field hockey player Alison Ramsay was a real pioneer of women’s sport when I was younger and was playing hockey. Then, wheelchair racer, Baroness Grey-Thompson aka Tanni became a sporting hero also when I became a chair user.

18. Do you have any pre-match rituals/superstitions?

I never, ever wear Scotland kit when we are in pre-selection. As for before matches, nope, sorry, none.

19. What advice do you have for people during lockdown?

Stay safe. Keep your mind and body busy, especially mind. Think of others, maybe even reach out to them via social media. Try to avoid misinformation that you may find coming your way. Hopefully, most of us will make it through this, so let’s support one another and be grateful for all our family, friends and acquaintances.