Aitken brings NRL experience to Scotland World Cup squad

Warriors star Euan Aitkin is one of five Australian players in Scotland's World Cup squad but the omission of Campbell Graham suggests the South Sydney centre is in line for a Kangaroos' call-up.

Bravehearts coach Nathan Graham has announced his 24-player squad ahead of the upcoming tournament in England and it includes a number of experienced stars, as well as seven potential debutants.

However, the absence of Graham is a firm pointer to his selection in the Australian squad to be announced after the NRL grand final, with the Rabbitohs star speaking regularly during the season of his desire to represent his father's Scottish heritage.

With injuries ruling out Canterbury Bulldogs centre Aaron Schoupp, Hull KR fullback Lachlan Coote, Salford Reds forward Danny Addy and Castleford Tigers playmaker Callum McLelland, Graham has turned to up and coming NRL talents and Scotland stalwarts.

Among the rookies are Brisbane Broncos prop Logan Bayliss-Brow, Bulldogs halfback and Jersey Flegg player of the year Bailey Hayward, Parramatta Eels lock Luke Bain and Mackay Cutters hooker Kyle Schneider.

2015 North Queensland premiership winner Kane Linnett, who now plays for Hull KR, is one of six Super League players in the squad.

The others are former New Zealand Warriors forward James Bell (St Helens), Salford's Ryan Brierly and Sam Luckley, Toulouse's Matt Russell and Wakefield's Liam Hood.  

Edinburgh Eagles Captain Lewis Clarke receives his first World Cup call up following his performances this season. Guy Graham receives his second call up having joined the Scotland squad for the first time in 2021.

The Bravehearts will welcome England Knights to Myreside Stadium in Edinburgh on October 8 in a World Cup warm-up fixture.

Meanwhile, Scotland Wheelchair coach Mark Roughsedge has selected his 12-player squad for the World Cup.

The squad includes 9 players from the mid-season internationals and sees the return of Dave Birtles and Connor Blackmore to the squad and a first call up for Gregor Anderson.

Scotland Wheelchair will take on Australia in Medway on Monday October 31 ahead of the World Cup.

Charlie Emslie, Shane Toal (Barrow Raiders), Keiran Buchanan (Batley Bulldogs), Logan Bayliss-Brow* (Brisbane Broncos), Bailey Hayward* (Canterbury Bulldogs), Davey Dixon, Dale Ferguson (Dewsbury Rams), Lewis Clarke (Edinburgh Eagles), Ben Hellewell (Featherstone Rovers), Lachlan Walmsley (Halifax Panthers), Kane Linnett (Hull KR), Calum Gahan*, Alex Walker (London Broncos), Kyle Schneider* (Mackay Cutters), Euan Aiken (New Zealand Warriors), Luke Bain* (Parramatta Eels), Ryan Brierley, Sam Luckley (Salford Red Devils), Bayley Liu* (Sheffield Eagles), James Bell (St Helens), Matty Russell (Toulouse), Liam Hood (Wakefield), Guy Graham* (Whitehaven RLFC), Jack Teanby (York City Knights)

Gregor Anderson, David Birtles, Connor Blackmore, Mike Mellon, Cadyn Thompson, John Willans (Dundee Dragons), Paul Hartley, Graeme Stewart (Glasgow RL), Dan Grant (Gravesend), Callum Young (Warrington Wolves), Dave Anderson (West Wales Raiders), Peter Lauder (unattached)