Scotland happy with England base for Four Nations
Friday 22 April 2016 11:59, UK
Scotland coach Steve McCormack is comfortable with the decision to stage his team's games in England when they make their Four Nations Series debut in the autumn.
McCormack's men will play at Hull KR and Workington as well as taking part in a double-header at Coventry's Ricoh Arena after tentative plans to take at least one of the Bravehearts' games north of the border were shelved.
Scotland, who qualified by winning the 2014 European Championship, will kick off the series against Australia in East Yorkshire on October 28.
Their clash with defending champions New Zealand will take place on November 11 in Cumbria, which was their home for much of their successful 2013 World Cup campaign.
"It would have been great to have had a game in Scotland but England are hosting the tournament and we're comfortable with the venues that have been chosen," said McCormack, who has been in charge of the Bravehearts for more than a decade.
"There are no major dramas with that. I know a lot of discussions took place prior to the venues being confirmed but we were fully aware there were no guarantees and we're delighted what they've come up with.
"We've been to Workington for the last three years and it's great for west Cumbria again. They will support that match and we'll get a big crowd behind us. And we're also quite comfortable with the other two."
Scotland, who lost 40-4 to the Kiwis in the quarter-finals of the last World Cup, will be meeting England and Australia for the first time in their 22-year history and McCormack is confident of being able to assemble a competitive squad.
"I don't think it gets any bigger for us than that opening fixture," he said.
"We've never played Australia. They've obviously got a change of coach and some fantastic players. We're confident we can put a squad together that can compete really well in the tournament.
"We've planned our whole Four Nations itinerary already and know where we are training, where we're staying and when we go into camp.
"Now I've got the envious task of watching our players for their clubs, meeting individuals to discuss what we're trying to do and putting the squad together.
Live First Utility Super League
"A lot of hard work has gone on in the last three years. We've spoken to an awful lot of players. I went over to Australia last year and our chairman Keith Hogg went over this year and obviously we keep in touch with all the Super League and Championship players.
"Everyone saw at the World Cup and the Europeans in 2014 that we've got some fantastic talented players in Super League and the NRL that will be so proud to represent Scotland again and some exciting young players coming through.
"We will add a couple of players to the pool, too, which should strengthen us for this year and the World Cup next year. Even though we're aware of the challenge, we can't wait."
