By Helen Thompson

Last updated 14:53, Tuesday, 26 August 2008

Scotland have called up three West Cumbrian players for their preliminary World Cup squad.

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Workington Town’s Iain Marsh and Matt Tunstall and Haven’s Spencer Miller got the nod from head coach Steve McCormack and his No2 Town’s Dave Rotheram.

Ex-Recre stars Oliver Wilkes, Mick Nanyn and Jon Duffy are also in the 37-man squad which will be slimmed down to 24.

Rotheram, right, said: “All three lads have played in the past and we have shown some loyalty to those who have helped us get Scotland here.”

Wakefield Super League star Danny Brough has been named captain and Wigan winger Mark Calderwood is also included.

Three NRL players are also in the mix – New Zealand Warriors hooker Ian Henderson, Manly winger Michael Robertson and Wests’ prop Keith Galloway.

The Scottish campaign will begin with a match against the French in Canberra.

Rotheram added: “We are quietly confident of getting through the group stages but the big game will be the first one against France.

“The core of their team comes from Catalans Dragons who are going well in Super League at the moment.

“We played them with a weakened side last year in France and they beat us so we will be gearing up towards that first match, we have plenty of time.”