Scotland rely on Sheffield steel
Tartan new boy Brendon Lindsay is looking forward to starting an international rugby league career as something of a late developer.
The Sheffield Eagles stand off has been called into Scotland’s squad for the European Cup and is hoping to make his debut in their opening game away to Italy in Padoa on Saturday.
The Bravehearts call-up came as a surprise for the 32-year-old who thought his chance had gone when he failed to make their squad for last World Cup.
But a big season for the Eagles, which saw him named in the Co-operative Championship All-Star Team, boosted his case.
Australian-born Lindsay qualifies for the Bravehearts because his grandfather was from Dunfermline and is one of a steel city threesome in Steve McCormack’s trimmed down squad, forwards Alex Szostak and Mitch Stringer – who is also in the running for his first cap – the others.
Squad: Jamie Benn (Castleford Panthers), Jon Steel (Featherstone), Kevin Henderson (Wakefield), Mick Nanyn (Leigh), James Nixon (Barrow), Brendon Lindsay (Sheffield), Gareth Moore (Gateshead), Mitch Stringer (Sheffield), Ben Fisher (Hull KR), Neil Lowe (Hunslet), Richard Fletcher (Widnes), Alex Szostak (Sheffield), Lee Paterson (Widnes), Paddy Coupar (Workington), John Cox (Edinburgh), Andrew Henderson (Gateshead), Dave Arnott (Scotland Students), Mark Dack (Gateshead), Rob Lunt (Workington), John Duffy (Leigh), Iain Morrison (Widnes – to replace Fisher following Italy game)
European Cup fixtures
Round 1
Saturday 17/10/09, Stadio Del Plebiscito, Padova – Italy V Scotland – KO: 15.00
Sunday 18/10/09, Tullamore RUFC, Tullamore – Ireland V Serbia – KO: 14.30
Round 2
Saturday 24/10/09, Tripoli Olympic Stadium, Tripoli – Lebanon V Italy – KO: 20.000
Sunday 25/10/09, FK Smedervo Stadium, Smederevo – Serbia V Wales – KO: 14.00
Round 3
Sunday 1/11/09, Hughenden, Glasgow – Scotland V Lebanon – KO: 15.00
Sunday 1/11/09, Pontypridd RUFC, Pontypridd – Wales V Ireland – KO: 17.00
FINALS DAY:
Sunday 08/11/09, Celtic Crusaders RL, Brewery Field, Bridgend,
3rd v 3rd KO: 11.00
2nd v 2nd KO: 13.30
1st v 1st KO: 16.00