Scottish international Brett Phillips described last Friday's deadlock with New Zealand as his best experience in rugby league.

The Workington Town forward came on off the bench in the second half of the Four Nations clash at Derwent Park.

And he was elated to have played his part in the 18-18 draw in front of his home crowd.

"It was surreal for me to be honest," admitted Phillips. "It's a massive step up but it was just an amazing experience and opportunity.

"I was so nervous before going on. I don't play against that sort of level of player week in and week out so it was great for me.

"And great to do it on my home ground with all the amazing support in West Cumbria.

"Everybody loves rugby league around here and it's great for everyone to get behind us and really support Scotland."

Phillips took to the field with one of the biggest cheers of the night and he thanked the crowd for their support.

He added: "I heard all the usuals and it was just great to have so much support in my hometown and I was chuffed to get on.

"At the final whistle it was relief but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was the best experience I've probably had in rugby.

"It was a but of a blur but it was brilliant."

Phillips, whose brother Callum played for the Scots against England the previous week, said the Scottish camp had helped them develop.

And he said the ethos of all working together, under the guidance of coach Steve McCormack, was key to their success.

"We've got experience throughout the team, from the NRL, Super League, Championship and Championship One.

"Some of us are part time but what's good about the Scotland camp is there is no egos.

"You go into camp and you're all treat the same which is brilliant and that's part of our success, everybody gets together and works as a team."

And Phillips also leapt to the defence of Derwent Park, after criticism from the New Zealand camp that it was not up to Test standard.

"I think it's a good venue," he said. "The support we get for the internationals, especially for Scotland, is great in West Cumbria.

"It's a hotbed for rugby league and i think it gets forgot about to be honest.

"You see a lot of investment going down south and elsewhere but in Cumbria everybody is rugby league mad.

"You've just got to see the crowd out there for this match, they loved it."

And now Phillips is hoping he and brother Callum will continue to impress and hopefully be part of the Scottish team for next year's World Cup.

"It's a great step forward for Scotland to get this draw against New Zealand," he added.

"I don't think anybody would have expected that but it's great to build on for next year and hopefully we can keep on improving each tournament.

"We've got to keep doing our best and hopefully get selected. I think we have proved that lads who aren't full time can go out there and do a job .

"But it's good to be around the full time and NRL lads because they bring you on and you develop as a player."