Duffy and Chester told '˜no Brough' for Scotland

Wakefield Trinity chief Chester and Featherstone Rovers coach John Duffy were yesterday named joint bosses of the Bravehearts, succeeding Steve McCormack who stepped down following the 2017 World Cup after 13 years in the role.

One of the biggest questions on everyone’s lips was whether Huddersfield Giants star Brough, 35, would be in their thoughts.

The Scotland captain, and the country’s most capped player, was sent home from the World Cup along with Sam Brooks and Jonathan Walker after being too drunk to board a flight from Christchurch to Brisbane.

Asked if Brough would feature under him and Duffy, Chester said: “Keith Hogg (Scotland RL chairman) has said those three won’t take any further part in the international format.

“I’m not privy to what happened over in New Zealand but I think the management want to start afresh and try blood some new Scottish talent.

“Danny’s been a great servant to rugby league and Scotland rugby league.

“It’s something out of both mine and John’s hands; the decision has been made at management level and we have to respect that moving forward.

“I’m excited by the challenge. Me and John share the same coaching philosophies and, with Wakefield, we train at Featherstone five days per week so we speak often. It will be a difficult job but an exciting one.”

Chester and Duffy will take charge for the European Championships at the end of the season, an event that features matches against Wales, France and Ireland and doubles up as a qualifying tournament for the 2021 World Cup.

Chester, 39, has been involved with Scotland in the past, having stepped in as assistant coach in 2012 when McCormack was on compassionate leave.

Duffy won 12 caps for Scotland and joined their backroom staff for the 2013 World Cup but stepped down last year after taking up the Featherstone role.

Brough, meanwhile, returns from a separate three-game ban for Huddersfield versus Wakefield tomorrow along with fit-again England winger Jermaine McGillvary.