Put pride back in Scotland jersey: Douglas

Nov 10, 2017 - 4:32 PM In what may be his last hurrah for Scotland, ex-NRL ironman Luke Douglas wants to put some pride back in the Bravehearts jersey during their must-win Rugby League World Cup clash with Samoa in Cairns.

The former Country NSW forward has been handed the captaincy for Saturday's crunch clash after a week to forget for Scotland.

The workaholic prop took over the reins from banished skipper Danny Brough, one of three players sent home from the tournament for misconduct.

The trio were deemed too drunk to board a weekend plane from Christchurch after Scotland's 74-6 loss to New Zealand.

Scotland have conceded 124 points in crushing defeats to Tonga and the Kiwis.

Yet the winner of the Bravehearts-Samoa clash will qualify for the quarter-finals and what looms as a daunting clash with Australia.

St Helens prop Douglas, 31, admitted it could be his final game for Scotland and possibly his last match on Australian soil.

If that is the case, Douglas wants it to be remembered for the Bravehearts living up to their name.

"We are in a privileged situation here, playing for our nation against the best in the world," Douglas said.

"People are representing their family.

"Every time we put that jersey on we have to be ready to play."

Douglas played 263 NRL games for Gold Coast and Cronulla - including a record 215 straight - before linking with St Helens in Super League this year.

"I am proud of my heritage and family," Douglas said.

"This could be my very last game for Scotland, it could be my last game in Australia, who knows?

"I am getting on now.

"But I am happy to lead the boys.

"Although it hasn't shown on the field we are a pretty tight bunch - hopefully it shows this weekend."

Danny Addy replaces Brough in the halves while winger Shane Toal makes his Cup debut and Lewis Tierney reverts to fullback for Scotland.

"We have let ourselves down defensively," Douglas said of the Bravehearts' winless start.

"If we can get equal possession we can give ourselves a chance."

Source: AAP