Four Nations fever will hit a top note tonight as world number ones New Zealand will take on Scotland at Workington’s Zebra Claims Stadium, ko 8pm.

Around 6,000 tickets have already been bought for the mouth-watering clash, with organisers hoping more supporters will turn up and pay on the gate.

And some of the top names in the rugby league world will be on display to local fans.

New Zealand half-back Shaun Johnson is the big draw and he is named in the side to take on Steve McCormack’s Scottish side, who count Workington as a second home.

And McCormack, the former Haven boss, has admitted it is going to be a very difficult test.

“New Zealand are very talented all over the field,” he warned.

“I thought they were particularly good in the second-half against Australia and some of their key players really stood up so we have had a look at them in some detail but we have been focusing on making sure we are prepared more than anything.

“Shaun Johnson is a world class player. We faced Cooper Cronk in the first week, George Williams last week and we face Shaun Johnson this week which is what the Four Nations is all about, but we have got some really talented players ourselves.

“I thought Danny Brough has been outstanding, Danny Addy fills into the stand-off role easily and Lachlan Coote has shown glimpses of why he is talked about as being a world class star.

“It should be a really entertaining game and one that myself and the rest of the team here are buzzing about.”

Unfortunately Town hooker Callum Phillips has been dropped from the 19-man squad for the game.

But brother Brett is still in with a chance of making his Scottish Four Nations debut in front of his home crowd.

Workington Town fan Callum Linford is looking forward to the game and says there is no better place to hold it. He says fans are in for a treat as the stadium will provide a great atmosphere.

He and several other supporters have given up their free time to help spruce up the stadium ahead of the game,

“I believe that rugby league is and always will be a big part of the community in West Cumbria,” he said.

“My belief has only grown stronger over the years with the Scotland v Tonga and Scotland v Italy World Cup games in 2013 bringing an amazing 15,000 people. Being a lifelong Town fan there’s been many memories from the ground and it will bring many more.

“We are always keen to help the club for the community. Workington is a stadium like few others. It holds the modern game in an old fashioned stadium complex.

“The previous Four Nations games have all been on wider pitches and the fans have been much further away from the action.

“This is where the old style of Derwent Park comes into play, it gives players and fans alike an extra buzz like no other. The relationship between club and fans has always been strong.”

The whole community has rallied round with several local schools involved, forming a guard of honour, running out as mascots, singing the national anthems and also as flagbearers.

Four Nations special – Pages 86 and 87