Scotland pick Robertson

Robertson: Scotland call-up

Related links

Teams

• Scotland

Players

• Mark Calderwood

Also see

• R League on Sky
• Rugby League Scores
• Sky Sports experts

Michael Robertson has been handed a place in Scotland's 24-man squad for the World Cup.

There had been suggestions that Robertson, who plays his rugby for Manly Sea Eagles, had played himself into contention for the Australia squad with his side's hat-trick of tries in the Grand Final win over Melbourne.

His absence would have been a huge blow to a Scottish side already stripped of one Wigan winger in Mark Calderwood, who was called up by England, but he is free to play for the Scots after being left out of Australia's party.

"Mick (Robertson) made it very plain at the beginning of the year that he would be proud and privileged to play for Scotland and I've followed his progress all year," said coach Steve McCormack.

"He has been absolutely outstanding and he was superb on Sunday. You always worry if people are going to pick him up but he's committed to Scotland and I'm delighted we've got him on board."

Captain Brough

The squad also includes brothers Andrew, Ian and Kevin Henderson and is led by Wakefield scrum-half Danny Brough, one of seven Super League players included.

"Danny has been superb," commented McCormack.

"It was a big call making him captain but he is passionate about playing for Scotland.

"He has had an outstanding Super League season and I believe he will show the world of rugby league exactly what he can do on this, the biggest stage of all.

"There is no doubt that we are the underdogs in our group but we are quietly confident that, as always, our pride and spirit will shine through in our performance.

"The challenge for us is perhaps different to that which England face yet this is our opportunity to put Scotland and ourselves on the world stage and I know that everyone involved will be doing their utmost for the cause."

Scotland fly out on Tuesday and will be based in Sydney for the first four days before going into camp in Canberra ahead of their opening game against France on October 26.

Scotland squad:
Chris Armit (Bulldogs), Danny Brough (Wakefield Wildcats), Dean Colton, Paddy Coupar (Edinburgh Eagles), Dean Cowan, John Duffy (Widnes Vikings), Ben Fisher (Hull KR), Andrew Henderson (Castleford Tigers), Ian Henderson, Kevin Henderson (Wakefield Wildcats), Jack Howieson (Sheffield Eagles), Paul Jackson (Huddersfield Giants), Wade Liddell (Brisbane Easts), Scott Logan (Canberra Raiders), Neil Lowe (Keighley), David McConnell (Leigh Centurions), Duncan MacGillivray (Wakefield Wildcats), Iain Morrison (Widnes Vikings), Gareth Morton (Widnes Vikings), Mick Nanyn (Oldham), Lee Paterson (Widnes Vikings), Michael Robertson (Manly Sea Eagles), Jonathan Steel (Hull KR), Oliver Wilkes (Wakefield Wildcats).