Scotland have confirmed Huddersfield Giants centre Joe Wardle won’t feature in their European Championship campaign.
The Scots get their autumn series under way with tomorrow’s clash against Wales in Wrexham, before their home date with Ireland and trip to France.
But while Huddersfield skipper Danny Brough will again lead his country into action, he won’t be joined by Wardle, who will now take a winter break to enable him to get over a number of injury niggles which need time and rest to heal.
That’s good news for the Giants who will now be guaranteed a fully-fit Wardle for the build-up to the 2016 Super League campaign, but a disappointment to the Scots as they prepare for their involvement in next season’s Four Nations series against England, Australia and New Zealand.
“Losing players like Joe will be a blow,” said Scotland coach Steve McCormack, who is now also without experienced Workington forwards Brett Phillips and Alex Szostak through injury.
“He’s one of the most senior players in our squad and an established Super League performer.
“But his absence and that of several other senior players will give younger members of the squad the chance to step up and show they have the ability to play international rugby.
“And they’ll also get the chance to learn off the likes of Danny Brough.
“Having Danny on board has a huge positive effect on the rest of the group and, as anyone who has seen Danny play will know, he has a massive impact on how we play.
“Having one of the world’s best half-backs leading us is superb, and brings out the best in the players around him.”
