LEAGUE OF HIS OWN
Brierley goes from scrapheap to world stage with Scotland
‘FOR 10 YEARS I NEVER BELIEVED I WAS GOOD ENOUGH TO PLAY SUPER LEAGUE ...NOW I AM AT THE WORLD CUP’
RYAN BRIERLEY feared he was destined for the rugby league scrapheap when his dream move to Toronto Wolfpack descended into a waking nightmare. Today, though, Scotland’s vicecaptain will run out against Italy having enjoyed the best season of his career — and with a rugby league World Cup quarter-final in his sights.
The Group B opener at Newcastle’s Kingston Park is vital as, with star-studded holders Australia next up, the Bravehearts know that wins against the Italians and Fiji would see them reach the knockout stage.
Brierley, who made a try-scoring Scotland debut against the Kangaroos in 2016, helped Salford Red Devils reach the Super League play-off semi-finals this season.
In 2019, the full-back was forced out of Toronto — who went bust the following year — before rejoining Leigh Centurions and then boyhood club Salford.
Brierley was outstanding this season as the unfancied Red Devils threatened the status quo before losing to eventual champions St Helens. Yet the 30-year-old admitted: ‘Three years ago at Toronto my career was pretty much over.
‘I was treated terribly and the mismanagement of the club was horrendous — they tried everything they could to get rid of me and left my family in tears.
‘No other club wanted me either — there was no interest in me as a player or a person — so to have now been picked for the World Cup and be named Scotland’s vice-captain makes me incredibly proud.
‘It is the culmination of my comeback journey and testament to how I refused to throw in the towel after what happened at Toronto. I could have fallen by the wayside, but resilience can take you a long way in life.
‘For 10 years I never really believed I was good enough to play in Super League, yet this has been the best season of my career by far.
‘Now I’m here with Scotland and preparing for a World Cup, hoping to do something special. It’s madness really.’
Bravehearts boss Nathan Graham has named seasoned international Dale Ferguson, who featured when Scotland memorably reached the 2013 World Cup quarter-finals, as skipper.
He has also picked a handful of NRL-based stars and Edinburgh Eagles cross-code centre
before,’ said Brierley. ‘It’s daunting, especially with us playing Australia next week, but as vice-captain I’m really enjoying helping the lads to feel part of it and to set standards.
‘We’re all here for the right reasons, and it’s certainly not for the money, but an opportunity to represent our heritage and families on the biggest stage.’
Brierley, once a promising footballer who spent time in the youth ranks at Preston North End, qualifies for Scotland through his great-grandfather, who hailed from Kilwinning.
‘It means so much to each and every one of us,’ said the Lancastrian. ‘The night before a game, at the team hotel, we will have dinner, a shirt presentation and then sing the national anthem.
‘Earlier this week we got invited to a civic reception at Newcastle Town Hall and 200 schoolkids sang Flower of Scotland. They had been practising it for our arrival and it choked me up, but was pretty emotional for us all. ‘You have to remember that a lot of these boys are away from their families and that’s what has brought us even closer.’
The squad has become even more united following the untimely passing of former prop Adam Walker, who recently died aged 31. Walker played for Scotland 14 times, featuring at the 2013 World Cup and Brierley said: ‘We understand how much of an impact Adam had on this squad, alongside his twin brother Johnny.
‘The Walker brothers were great characters in the Scotland team but it’s easy to forget how good a player Adam was.
‘I remember playing with him against the Aussies on my debut in 2016 and Adam was the best player on the field that night.
‘The likes of David Klemmer and Cameron Smith couldn’t handle him, and it was one of the best individual performances I’ve seen.
‘As a squad, we’re devastated by Adam’s passing, so all our thoughts and prayers are with his family and I hope we can make him proud during this tournament.’
Victory over Italy today is vital and Brierley added: ‘We understand Australia next week will be a step too far. But if we are to go any further in this competition then we have to beat Italy and Fiji. ‘We’re desperate this weekend because if we lose, then we know our tournament is pretty much over. We’re determined to empty the tank and do everything we can to beat Italy.
‘There is quality within our group, especially with the lads from the NRL. To get out of the group stages would put Scotland on the rugby league map again. That would be amazing.’