Brough and Wardle named in strong Scotland squad

Scotland have named a strong squad, full of Super League and top Championship players, for the European Championship.

Joe Wardle from the Huddersfield Giants is one name which stands out. His club-mate Danny Brough is also included.

Danny Addy from Bradford also makes an appearance, but his club-mate in 2014, Dale Ferguson, is absent as he has an operation lined up.

Nathan Massey of NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs will also offer more depth at halfback. He is the only player coming over from Australia to join the squad, as Peter Wallace is injured, Kane Linnett having surgery and Luke Douglas suspended.

Catalan Dragons hooker Ian Henderson could yet be included, once his play-off campaign with Catalan Dragons is concluded.

“I’m delighted with this Scotland squad,” said Scotland coach Steve McCormack.

“As always, we’ve been able to name an outstanding group of senior players, along with a number of exciting youngsters who are now involved in the Scotland Rugby League pathway.

“This year’ European Championship will be another tough competition and we’re really looking forward to getting the squad together.

“It’s important to build on last year’s fantastic World Cup and look to improve all aspects of performance, both on and off the field.”

Veterans Iain Morrison and Lee Paterson make returns after long periods of absence from the international scene, while several Super League youngsters, such as Sonny Esslemont from Hull KR, are included.

David Scott from Stirling is a part of the squad, but Irvine-born Matty Russell is scheduled for an operation once his play-off campaign has concluded.

London centre Harvey Burnett, Barrow’s Shane Toal, Hull KR winger Jack Stewart, and Richard Harris, who has just moved from London to Warrington, all played for Scotland Under-19s in their successful Commonwealth Championship campaign in June.

SCOTLAND initial squad: Danny Addy (Bradford Bulls), Josh Barlow (Swinton Lions), Sam Barlow (Leigh Centurions), Danny Brough (Huddersfield Giants), Harvey Burnett (London Broncos), Brett Carter (Workngton Town), Sonny Esslemont (Hull KR), Richard Harris (Warrington Wolves), Ben Hellewell (Featherstone Rovers), Alex Hurst (Tweed Heads Seagulls), Ben Kavanagh (Widnes Vikings), Corbyn Kilday (Wakefield Trinity), Nathan Massey (Canterbury Bulldogs), Joe McLean (Gloucestershire All Golds), Ryan Manelly (Warrington Wolves), Iain Morrison (York City Knights), Lee Paterson (York City Knights), Brett Phillips (Workington Town), Callum Phillips (Workington Town), David Scott (Doncaster), Jack Stewart (Hull KR), Oscar Thomas (London Broncos), Shane Toal (Barrow Raiders), Adam Walker (Hull KR), Alex Walker (London Broncos), Jonathan Walker (Leigh Centurions), Joe Wardle (Huddersfield Giants).

(Players are listed with their 2014 clubs regardless of loans, duel registrations or transfers for 2015 season.)