Scotland were expected to make up the numbers, yet turned out to be the underdog story of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
The Bravehearts went through the group stage undefeated and booked a quarter-final spot against the defending champions.
The expectations in 2017 appear similar and coach Steve McCormack would love nothing more than to replicate the feats of the last campaign.
Scotland Bravehearts
Scotland were the last of the UK nations to begin playing rugby league, in 1995. Since then, the Bravehearts have gathered such momentum that they are now currently ranked fourth in the world.
Following their exceptional 2013 RLWC, they claimed their first European Cup title in 2014, destroying Wales and Ireland during that competition. This win also saw them qualify for the 2016 Four Nations, where they got the chance to compete with the three tier-one nations.
After suffering defeats in their first ever Test matches against Australia and England, the Bravehearts raised the roof in pouring rain by scoring a last-minute try against New Zealand to end the game in a draw.
Thus, on the back of the past four years, expectations were high for Scotland, however injuries mean McCormack has named a line-up with limited exposure to the big leagues.
Likely team line up
1. Matthew Russell
2. Lewis Tierney
3. Ben Hellewell
4. Lachlan Stein
5. David Scott
6. Danny Brough (c)
7. Oscar Thomas
8. Kieran Moran
9. Callum Phillips
10. Luke Douglas
11. Danny Addy
12. Dale Ferguson
13. Ben Kavanagh
14. Sam Brooks
15. Frankie Mariano
16. James Bell
17. Kane Bentley
Squad members: Alex Walker, Andrew Bentley, Brandon Wilkinson, Jarred Anderson, Jonathon Walker, Shane Toal, Will Oakes
There are only eight players in the side who have played at a World Cup previously, while there isn’t a single current NRL player in the team, with Lachlan Coote, Peter Wallace, Euan Aitken and Kane Linnett all succumbing to injuries.
[latest_videos_strip category=”rugby-league” name=”League”]
Key player
The former Super League Man of Steel had an up-and-down year for the Giants during this Super League season but even at 34, Danny Brough is still by far the nation’s best player. As captain, he will have to will his side to victory, as he did often in the 2013 tournament.
No doubt Danny’s pride in wearing the Scottish jersey will be contagious, ensuring the Bravehearts compete in every match.
Fixtures and opponents
Tonga at Barlow Park, Cairns – Sunday October 29, 5:15pm (AEDT)
New Zealand at Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch – Saturday November 4, 3pm (AEDT)
Samoa at Barlow Park, Cairns – Saturday November 11, 6pm (AEDT)
Key match
The final match during the pool stage is likely to be key. The Bravehearts have lost their only previous international fixture against Samoa, however this game may end up becoming a quarter-final play-off.
Cairns will be their de-facto home for the next month and they have to leave with a win.
RLWC 2017 prospects
Scotland find themselves in the pool of death, which will see them travelling across to New Zealand in between two matches in Cairns. If they can set up camp and familiarise themselves with the Northern Queensland conditions, a victory in one of those two games should be enough to see them through the pool stage.
Although ranked fourth in the world, the Bravehearts are likely to go into each match as heavy underdogs. Still, McCormack would be disappointed to leave the southern hemisphere with anything less than a quarter-final appearance, based on their results during this World Cup cycle.
Although the pundits are writing them off, Scotland has a history of proving them wrong.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Brissie Boy, that was such a memorable game during the four nations... certainly had goosebumps as you could just feel something special was happening. I agree with you though, this will be a tough ask for the Scots however they've proved us wrong a number of times now so you just never know!
Renegade
Roar Guru
I've thought the same thing matth, Group B is the pool of death and the end result could be anything when we look at this in 3 weeks time!
Renegade
Roar Guru
Cheers Scott and Matth! It only happens every four years but there isn't much better that our sport has to offer than the World Cup. The passion, atmosphere, pride and also the genuine rugby league on display.... different styles and structures compared to what we are used to seeing....bring on Friday!!
Brissie Boy
Guest
Got to admit, I had shivers down my spine watching the draw with New Zealand at Workington last year. Brilliant game for the neutral to watch, with the two late tries to the Kiwis seemingly wrapping the game up, and then the final twist in the match with Aitken somehow managing to barge his way over despite having chosen to run the ball with an unmarked winger on his outside. Was great to watch the man with the best boot in rugby league, Danny Brough, in action as well. Despite my admiration for this Scottish team, I really can't see them winning any of their matches in the Group of Death with the injuries to all their NRL players + McConnachie (who plays for Ipswich in the QCup). The Kiwis will know not to underestimate them this time and will be switched on, especially on home soil and both the Tongan and Samoan line-ups look too good on paper. Really hope I'm proven wrong though!
matth
Guest
Hear, hear! Good reviews and it's whetting the appetite nicely. It would be long odds, but given their personnel problems, and with Kearney having question marks all over him regarding performance and morale, but maybe, just maybe the Kiwis could lose all three and drop out. Probably 75-1 shot but maybe ... One problem for Scotland is being located in Cairns. Coming from the North of England to play in November in Cairns won't be fun at all.
Scott Pryde
Expert
All down to how Danny Brough plays for mine. Absolute group of death though Group B. They are probably the team who miss out, but the match against Samoa will be the key for mine. Good work with these previews as well Renegade! Enjoying them.
Fred
Guest
I reckon they're a chance against Samoa. Probably not Tonga. But after their draw with NZ last year, they'll take plenty of belief into their game against the Kiwis! I know its a cliché but confidence can do wonders for a team. Nobody rated them last year but they believed in themselves (and were excellently coached).
Fred
Guest
Fair enough I forgot Wallace being there in 2013. The loss of Coote, Aitken and Linnett don't leave big holes in the team because some of Scotland's best current players can cover those positions. I don't believe Lewis Tierney was in the team in 2013, he would have to be one of their best this year and can play fullback or wing. Matthew Russell likewise. Young Panther Lachlan Stein should do alright in the centres.
Renegade
Roar Guru
I tend to agree Rile... however that's what we all thought during the 2013 World Cup as well... history shows what actually happened!
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Scotland have lost some key players. Ryan Brierley and Lachlan Coote will be sorely missed. In saying that they still have plenty of talent in Matty Russell, Danny Brough and Lewis Tierney as well as a forward pack consisting of Luke Douglas, Dale Ferguson and James Bell. I don't see them winning a game in Group B though. NZ, Samoa and Tonga will be too strong.
Renegade
Roar Guru
It would be a shame if they aren't as competitive as they have been on the biggest stage.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Hi Fred, Coote, Aitken and Linnett were all there last year during the 4 nations while Wallace was part of the 2013 WC campaign. Agree, it's not a large amount of players missing... a lot of the core is still there from last year however the quality will of those above will definitely be missed.
Fred
Guest
Everyone says Scotland's best players are out injured. People forget most of those same players weren't there for their last world cup or the 4 nations when they played so well. E.g Peter Wallace hasn't been with the side for years. They have a lout of young players, but their best players are in key positions.
Tripehound
Guest
Can't see them troubling the other sides in their group to be honest, too many of their better players are injured and not enough depth to replace them. Lewis Tierney was playing very well on loan at Catalans in their run in to the super league season and will no doubts be hoping to replicate that kind of form.