Last updated 12:51, Wednesday, 08 October 2008

Ex-Whitehaven stars John Duffy and Oliver Wilkes have been named in Scotland’s squad for their forthcoming World Cup campaign.

They fly to Australia next Tuesday as members of the 24-strong squad. Haven’s Spencer Miller misses out as his wife is due to give birth early next month, while Workington Town’s Iain Marsh, who was also set to travel, has been hit by a career-ending injury. Widnes forward Iain Morrison, who had a short spell at the Recre, does feature.

“I am very happy with the makeup of the squad,” coach Steve McCormack said. “We have a great degree of versatility in there which will be needed with at least three games in relatively quick succession.

“There is no doubt that we are the underdogs in our group but we are quietly confident that as always our pride and spirit will shine through in our performance.”

“We are strengthened by the inclusion of some established NRL performers who were keen to play from the outset, but who also recognised our policy of rewarding those that played in qualifying, and it is disappointing that for many reasons so many were not able to put themselves forward.”