Danny Brough is hoping another successful Scotland campaign will help ease some of the pain he’s still feeling over the Giants’ Super League play-off semi-final exit.
The Huddersfield captain can’t wait to lead the Scots into battle once again, with his nation opening their European Championship campaign against Wales in Wrexham on Friday night.
Scotland need to do well in their three autumn internationals against a Wales side to be led by former Giants prop Craig Kopczak in the absence of the injured Lloyd White, Giants full-back Scott Grix’s Ireland and France as they gear up to play in next season’s Four Nations tournament against England, Australia and New Zealand.
But Brough admits he also can’t wait to get cracking to help get the disappointment of Huddersfield’s 32-8 play-off defeat at Wigan 12 days ago out of his system.
“It’s now well over a week since we lost at Wigan, but I’m still not over it,” said Brough.
“With being the captain and trying to push the team to lift the trophy, it’s hard.
“I suppose I’ve got to live it with, and I do live with it every day, to be fair.
“Obviously, I wish I could change it, but I can’t, and I don’t really think it’ll change until we win something.
“But I do know spending time with the Scotland boys will help lift my spirits a little.
“I love pulling on the Scotland shirt and being around this group of boys.
“We’re not the greatest team in the world, but the camaraderie is fantastic and Steve McCormack is a very good coach.
“I know a lot of players enjoy having a bit of time off at the end of the season, but I just love playing for Scotland.”
But while Brough admits playing for Scotland is ‘fun’, he also knows there’s a very serious reason for his nation doing well over the next few weeks.
“It is all about building for next year,” added Brough, who is joined in the Scotland squad by Giants teammate Joe Wardle.
“Steve’s going to be giving some kids who haven’t played for Scotland before the chance to show what they can do.
“It’s all about giving them a taste of international rugby and preparing them for the massive games that’ll be coming up.
“In that sense, these next few games are vitally important for us.”
