Scotland Rugby League have announced their 17-man squad for Sunday's Alitalia European Cup tie against England Knights at Meggetland, Edinburgh with four changes from the team that lost to Ireland a fortnight ago. Edinburgh Eagles' centre Craig Borthwick and Workington Town second row Brett Phillips come in for their debuts in place of the injured Shae Kyon-Fraser (shoulder) and Dale Ferguson (mouth), Sheffield Eagles prop Jack Howieson replaces Paul Jackson (elbow) and Warrington youngster Ben Hellewell wins his second cap as Leeds half-back Liam Hood is unavailable for personal reasons.
"It's a great opportunity for two young players in Brett and Borth to make their debuts and stake their claim for World Cup selection for next year," says Scotland coach Dave Rotheram. "In the limited time we've had available the new lads have come in and settled into the squad very well so I've no concerns about them coping with the step up."
Rotheram has had to shuffle his pack and is expected to field a starting 13 with several positional changes to the team beaten 30-22 by the Irish. Scotland must win by 27 points to win the Alitalia European Cup.
Team Lists:
Jonathan Walker (Castleford Tigers), Ben Fisher (Catalans Dragons), Craig Borthwick, Callum Cockburn (Edinburgh Eagles), Josh Barlow, Sam Barlow (Halifax), Adam Walker (Huddersfield Giants), David Scott (Hull Kingston Rovers), Lee Paterson (Mackay Cutters), Andrew Henderson, Jack Howieson, Mitchell Stringer, Alex Szostak (Sheffield Eagles), Alex Hurst (Swinton Lions), Ben Hellewell (Warrington Wolves), Brett Carter, Brett Phillips (Workington Town).