Man of Steel Danny Brough snubbed rugby union chance

Scottish rugby union chiefs pulled out the stops to sign the star of Scotland’s Rugby League World Cup campaign.

The 2013 Super League Man of Steel Danny Brough was a top target for the Scottish RFU two years ago but he opted to stay with Huddersfield.

Scottish RFU chief executive Mark Dodson confirmed Brough attracted strong interest from Murrayfield because of his natural ability and top-class kicking game.

The 30-year-old would have joined a top club and been a mainstay of the international side had he crossed codes.

Brough has since developed into one of the most creative half-backs in the game and has been a stand-out performer at the World Cup after snubbing the chance to play for England.

Dodson rates Brough highly and is delighted to see the Scots making their mark on the tournament.

“In Scotland we take a very keen interest in what is happening in rugby league,” he told M.E.N. Sport. “Danny was looked at a couple of years ago.  He is very much a game manager with a first-class kicking game.  

“He reminds me so much of Steve Nash, who was a World Cup winner with Salford.

“I like his style of play. He is a clever player who is a throwback to the great rugby league players of the past.

“We are seeing just what a good and influential player he is. He was a worthy Man of Steel winner.”

Brough has been the driving force behind Scotland’s remarkable progression to an unlikely quarter-final showdown with New Zealand at Headingley.

The Bravehearts are unbeaten and Brough has kicked a crucial 15 goals over three games.

“It is great to see him having such a huge impact on the World Cup,” added Dodson.

“They have played a good brand of rugby and shown terrific team spirit.

“Their approach has been very low key but they have simply got on with the job and progressed accordingly.

“Steve McCormack, the Scottish coach, deserves a  lot of credit. What he has done will not have done him any harm in terms of his stock as a coach.

“He has certainly brought out the best in the players he has to work with. He too  deserves enormous credit for this.”

Scotland now face the daunting task of facing defending champions New Zealand on Friday night.

The Kiwis have been in devastating form, racking up 146 points in their three games in the competitions so far including 26 tries.

Dodson added: “They can now look forward to a huge game against the Kiwis but I am sure they will go into it showing the same kind of spirit we have seen throughout the tournament. They have nothing to lose.

“We are obviously delighted and supportive of any success being enjoyed by a fellow Scottish team.

“Scotland came through the group stages unbeaten and I am sure they will give their all against the Kiwis.”

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Man of Steel Danny Brough snubbed rugby union chance