Written by John Davidson
Photo by Scotland Rugby League
Scotland halfback Ryan Brierley has called for more international rugby league matches to be played to help grow the international game and help countries prepare properly for the World Cup.
Scotland played out a thrilling 30-30 draw with Jamaica on Sunday. The Bravehearts were ahead 24-10 at half-time at Featherstone, and then went 30-10 in front, before the Reggae Warriors rallied to tie it up late.
It was one of three matches played in the past fortnight, with England Knights defeating Jamaica at Castleford and England beating France in Perpignan.
Scotland currently have no more competitive matches organised until they start in the World Cup in 2022.
“I think the international game needs more fixtures more regularly because from now we won’t play another game literally until we play Australia – and that can’t be good for anyone,” Brierley told Everything Rugby League.
“Hopefully we can get some mid-season stuff where we can get together again.
“Even if it’s not a fixture, maybe more just a training camp or whatever.
“The World Cup’s a big tournament and we want to give a good show of ourselves.
“Hopefully we can more games internationally – not just for Scotland but for everyone involved and then the international game can really thrive.
“It’s been well documented how it’s struggled more recently.
“Hopefully we can get more momentum behind it and make this World Cup the best World Cup ever.”
Brierley served as vice-captain for Scotland for the first time and played in the halves alongside Danny Addy.
The Scots tries were scored by Ben Hellewell, Davey Dixon, captain Dale Ferguson and substitute Charlie Emslie grabbed a brace.
“It was good, it was nice to get a run out,” Brierley said of the match.
“It was a great scoreline for the neutral I’m sure. We treated it as a bit of a warm-up game to get ourselves ready for the World Cup next year.
“We did some good things, we did some bad things, so it put us in good stead.
Scotland has been drawn in Group B in the World Cup next year alongside current holders Australia, Fiji and Italy.
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