Scotland ready to mix it with the best as they seek World Cup improvement

Nathan Graham has come full circle at the Rugby League World Cup and can't wait to unleash a new-look Scotland on the rest of the world. Graham played in Scotland's first World Cup campaign and returns as head coach this time around, though he's hoping to create better memories than those from 22 years ago. Ad Scotland lost all three matches in 2000, including two on home soil, as they finished bottom of Group 4 and they have hardly lit up since, with their best World Cup result coming eight years ago.

Rugby LeagueSt Helens star Jodie Cunningham on crucial Rugby League World Cup for women's game15/06/2022 AT 08:26 That year they reached the quarter-finals – only to lose 40-4 to New Zealand. But Graham is an optimist and, though the Covid pandemic forced to the tournament to be postponed by a year and put his preparations on ice, he's confident he has a squad capable of mixing it with the best. In an open Group B, they are drawn alongside Australia, Fiji and Italy and while Australia will be expected to waltz through to the knock-out stages, the second spot remains up for grabs.

«I played in the 2000 World Cup for Scotland,» he said. «It was a massive experience as a player so to be coaching 22 years later is something I have embraced for a long time and now it is finally upon us. »We have got Italy first up on Sunday, which is something we are all focussed on.

«We are trying not to think about Australia or Fiji until we get the first game out of the way. Italy are an unknown, as we are to them. There are a smattering of players we do know about from Championship clubs in England.