Rugby League World Cup: Steve McCormack plots Scotland"s path to quarter ...

Danny Brough: Will play a pivotal role for Scotland in the Rugby League World Cup

Steve McCormack has hailed Danny Brough for having a “massive influence” on the Scotland squad – but insists they aren’t a one-man team.

Brough could have been part of England’s plans for the Rugby League World Cup but having been overlooked by Steve McNamara, will represent the country who handed him his international debut way back in 2004.

“We’re not a team of superstars, but we’re a team of really good players that work very hard together.”

Steve McCormack

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The newly-crowned Super League man of Steel captained the Scots at the last World Cup Down Under five years ago and will once again lead them in 2013.

His half-back partnership with Peter Wallace, who arrived in England on Monday after attending a wedding in Australia, will be vital for McCormack’s side as they look to qualify from Group C.

“You don’t get the Man of Steel by not being a good player,” McCormack said.

“He is the captain of the team and he has a massive influence off the field. But Danny will be the first to agree that he can’t do what he does without everybody else.

“We’re not a team of superstars, but we’re a team of really good players that work very hard together.

“Danny is at the head of that. He works exceptionally hard.”

Base

Scotland have based themselves in Workington – the venue for two of their pool games – and can expect plenty of support from the locals when they go up against Tonga and Italy.

Super League’s Man of Steel Danny Brough believes a quarter-final appearance for Scotland is a realistic target at the Rugby League World Cup.

Their final match of the opening stages of the tournament sees them take on the United States at Salford City Stadium on November 7.

“It’s brilliant. If there is any place that loves its rugby league then it’s west Cumbria,” added McCormack, who previously had spells in charge of Barrow and Whitehaven.

“The whole community have got behind us and they have welcomed us with open arms.

“But I’m sure that the Cumbrians are looking forward to seeing the Tongans and the Italians as well. Everyone in rugby league gets a warm welcome there.”

Rugby League World Cup: Steve McCormack plots Scotland"s path to quarter ...