With the need to ensure that the smaller nations are able to push the top sides all the way in the Rugby League World Cup, Scotland have received a boost, with North Queensland Cowboys centre Kane Linnett to represent the Scottish national side at the major competition.
With Bravehearts coach Steven McCormack confirming the decision, Linnett has enjoyed a successful NRL stint since moving to the Cowboys and is eligible through his mother, who was born in Scotland before she moved to Australia.
“My mum, Anne Hardie, was born in Glasgow along with her five other brothers and sisters and moved from Camuslang to Australia at the age of nine,†said Linnett.
“I still have loads of uncles, aunties and cousins there so playing for Scotland will mean a lot to me. I know my family will all be watching from both here and Scotland. My grandfather, who passed away a couple years ago, would be very proud.â€
Linnett, who was a Wollongong junior Buy Levitra, joined the St George Illawarra junior ranks and also played rugby union in his younger days, as he looks forward to the opportunity of representing Scotland at the World Cup.
“World Cups don’t come around very often and I’m really looking forward to experiencing the tournament in England and meeting a new bunch of boys and performing well,” said Linnett.
Linnett will join Peter Wallace and Banff-born James McManus, the NRL’s leading try-scorer, but coach McCormack says there will not be many more huge imports to come.
“It’s great to have Kane available, along with Peter and James,†said McCormack.
“We’ll confirm another NRL recruit later this week and I expect maybe one more, two at the most. The vast majority of our squad will be familiar players who’ve played for Scotland before but we’re delighted to have recruited these top class talents to Scotland’s cause.â€
With more NRL and Super League players to commit to Scotland, they will have a formidable side.