Scots stars ready to test themselves against best
THEY may have missed out on promotion to Super League but London Broncos duo Ben Hellewell and Alex Walker are still hoping to test themselves against the best in the world.
The Scotland rugby league internationalists are vying for places in the Bravehearts squad for next month’s Four Nations, when underdogs Scotland face the world’s best three rugby league nations: World Cup holders Australia, tournament hosts England and world No.1-ranked New Zealand.
Having faced Super League opposition in the qualifiers, where they just missed out on the Million Pound Game play-off final on points difference, the Broncos pair are desperate to get the chance to play against global superstars.
“Playing Super League teams has given me a stepping stone for Scotland,” says Hellewell, the former Bradford and Warrington youngster. “I know we’re massive underdogs but we will give them all a good game. If you’re doing well, your morale is up and if you are playing consistently well you can move that on into the internationals.”
Both Hellewell and Walker face considerable opposition for places in Steve McCormack’s squad. Both can play full-back while Hellewell has spent this season – and most of his Scotland career – in the centres while Walker can play on the wing. With Matty Russell starring for Warrington in their hunt for the Super League title, Wigan flier Lewis Tierney being called into Scotland reckoning for the first time, Bradford’s Oscar Thomas a regular for Scotland over the last two seasons, and Dave Scott having a fantastic season with Batley, getting a place at full-back or on the wing will be tough. And Hellewell will have to oust either Kane Linnett of reigning World Club Champions North Queensland Cowboys or uncapped St GeorgeIllawarra Dragons star Euan Aitken from the centre berths.
“I need to work hard in training to get into the squad – it’s going to be a big task for me to get into the team,” says Hellewell. “We’re playing the three best teams in the world and therefore the best players in the world. I’ve looked up to some of these players all my career I’m ready for it and I can’t wait.”