Tuesday 19 July 2016 19:07, UK
Scotland head coach Steve McCormack has welcomed the challenge after his side were placed in the 'group of death' at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
The Bravehearts, who qualified automatically after reaching the quarter-finals in 2013, are in Pool B alongside co-hosts New Zealand and Pacific rivals Tonga and Samoa.
Although three teams will go through from the group, McCormack's men face a stern challenge to reach the knockout stages and their cause will not be helped by a daunting schedule.
They open their campaign in Cairns against Tonga before flying to Christchurch to take on the Kiwis and then returning to tropical North Queensland for their final group game against Samoa.
"It's a tough draw and a massive challenge," McCormack said. "They are three outstanding teams, very physical teams with high-quality players.
"When you put the heat factor into the equation and the travel to New Zealand, it becomes even tougher.
"But that's what World Cups are all about: being tested by the very best in the toughest environment. I've spoken to the other coaches and some players this morning (Tuesday) and we're all excited at the prospect of that challenge."
The Bravehearts beat Tonga 26-24 in the pool stage in 2013 before going on to lose 40-4 to New Zealand in the last eight.
Organisers say the composition of the pools was determined by a number of considerations, including the final placings from 2013 and current world rankings.
