Warriors forward James Bell named in Scotland World Cup squad

  • 12/10/2017
James Bell has played two games for the Warriors.
James Bell has played two games for the Warriors. Photo credit: Photosport

Warriors forward James Bell will don the thistle for this year's Rugby League World Cup after being named in the Scotland's 24-man squad.

The 23-year-old is one of seven uncapped players tapped by coach Steve McCormack, who will take the youngest-ever Scotland squad to a World Cup.

Bell made his Warriors debut in 2017 against the Cronulla Sharks, and played two matches for the first-grade team. He qualifies for the squad through his Scottish grandfather.

Scotland have been drawn in pool B alongside Tonga, Samoa and New Zealand for the tournament.

The Bravehearts held the Kiwis to an 18-18 draw in their last match, a dramatic Four Nations clash in Workington in 2016, but will have just 10 survivors from that game following a spate of withdrawals.

Experienced players Keith Galloway Euan Aitken, Peter Wallace, Lachlan Coote and Kane Linnett all withdrew from the squad due to injury, while Adam Walker was withdrawn after testing positive for cocaine.

"It is a young squad, but that's exciting, too," said McCormack."When we took our youngest ever team to play in France two years ago, I said some of them would be on the plane to Australia and a lot of them will be on Sunday.

"We've got a big group of players - the likes of Brough, Douglas, Addy, Matty Russell, Kav - who I know well and trust. They have always been there for Scotland and given it their all.

"I know they will do that again and their experience is going to be vital to help the young lads. We're under no illusions how tough it's going to be, but I also know it's going to be fantastic."

Scotland squad for World Cup: Alex Walker, Ben Hellewell (both London Broncos), Andrew Bentley, Kane Bentley (both Toulouse), Danny Addy, Ben Kavanagh, Kieran Moran (all Hull KR), Brandan Wilkinson, Oscar Thomas (both Bradford), Callum Phillips (Workington), Danny Brough (capt), Dale Ferguson (both Huddersfield), David Scott (Batley), Frankie Mariano (Featherstone), James Bell (Warriors), Jarred Anderson (Sydney Roosters), Johnny Walker (Darlington Point Roosters), Lachlan Stein (Penrith), Lewis Tierney (Wigan), Luke Douglas (St Helens), Matthew Russell (Warrington), Ryan Brierley (Toronto Wolfpack), Sam Brooks (Featherstone), Shane Toal (Barrow)

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