Snubbed Brough may return to Scotland in World Cup

HUDDERSFIELD Giants captain Danny Brough has given his clearest indication yet that he thinks his England career is over and admitted he will contemplate playing for Scotland again in the World Cup.

The talismanic scrum-half delivered an outstanding performance as the Super League leaders defeated champions Leeds Rhinos 32-8 on Friday night, scoring one try and playing a crucial assist in four others.

His brilliant kicking proved the difference and Brough must have given watching England coach Steve McNamara plenty of food for thought.

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He had omitted the 30-year-old from his elite training squad just a few days earlier with Brough now clearly down the half-back reckoning ahead of this autumn’s global tournament.

But his rich form has led to another clamour for him to be included in McNamara’s plans.

Dewsbury-born Brough, whose father hails from Glasgow, captained Scotland at the 2008 World Cup but switched allegiances two years ago when McNamara made it known he was keen on his services.

However, injury and then a lack of form ruined his chances of actually playing for England in 2011 but he did finally debut in the second Exiles match last July, admittedly in an experimental side that lost.

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Brough was then disappointed to be left out of the autumn internationals squad and, after his latest snub, concedes he believes his chances are fading.

“I didn’t get in the squad and that’s up to Steve,” he said.

“He picks his team. I’ll just keep playing for the Giants and, I’ll be honest, I’m not overly fussy.

“He picks four (half-backs) in front of me every year. I don’t want to just get in the squad, end up training and not play. That’s not my cup of tea at all.

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“If he’s going to pick me I’ll play. If he doesn’t... nevermind, I’ll play elsewhere.”

Scotland coach Steve McCormack has already said he would look to the goal-kicking playmaker if he did make himself available again and Brough said: “If an opportunity comes I’ll play for Scotland.

“If Scotland want to pick me I’ll gladly speak to Scotland about it.”

Meanwhile, he is relishing the visit of former club Hull FC on Saturday night after that victory over Leeds.

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“It was a real dominant performance from the big fellas up front at Headingley,” he said.

“We stuck in the arm wrestle and it was a good response from the Bradford loss the week before

“We talked about making Leeds come off their own line and we did that.

“There was a lot of talk about my kicking but that is only as good as its chase and that was fantastic on Friday. Now we have to back that up at Hull.”